Happy Independence Day from John Philip Sousa

[HisMastersVoice]

In honor of Independence Day 2013, I transferred my copy of "Stars and Stripes Forever" on Victor Scroll. Enjoy!

Stars and Stripes Forever - March

[Lucius1958]

I've posted the BA version on YouTube. Interesting how the versions differ: the earlier recording has a 'da capo' rendition, with no internal repeats, while this is the more familiar rendition…

Bill

[Valecnik]

Very nice rendition. I'll have to try to get it on Victor. I might even have it somewhere...

Is that a 12 inch disc or 10?

[Lenoirstreetguy]

Here's a scan of the Sousa Band in early prime. " This is the only official souvenir post card of Willow Grove Park" ,or at least that is the claim made of the reverse side. It was postmarked Sept 23, 1909. I presume this is Willow Grove Pennsylvania where Sousa played every year until the late twenties. Handy to a certain large talking machine company based in Camden, New Jersey, too.
Pity Sousa only conducted about 8 sides in the recording studios, two of which are with the Philadelphia Mass Transit Company Band. They sound like a good amateur group, but Sousa himself on the podium make the sides very interesting indeed. I think Paul Bierley's 2006 book suggests that Sousa conducted a few of the Berliner sides in the 1890's . Anyone know about this?
The sides I like the best.. of the ones where he doesn't conduct...have Herbert L Clarke or his brother Edwin on the podium. I find the Arthur Pryor sides to be a bit pedestrian, and not nearly as musical as the one where he conducts his own band...or at least the ones where he gets credit on the label. I've always wondered who conducted the Edison recordings in 1909 and 1910...although it's probably Clarke. They are very good indeed and have more verve to them than a lot of the disc material.

J.R.T.

[Victrolacollector]

The Victor Scroll release would be nice. I have the one on Victor (Batwing).