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Sousa, John Philip

Stars and Stripes Forever (McAlister)

B-Note says:“As America's official march, "Stars and Stripes Forever" blends patriotic splendor, brass brilliance, and an earworm that has left its mark on the country's musical history.”
Composed
1896
Duration
ca. 3:30 min
Publisher
Serenissima Music, Edwardsville, 2012
Instrumentation
2+1.2.2+1.2 / 4.2.3.1 / timp, 2prc, hp i
Woodwinds
Flutes2+1
Oboes2
Clarinets2+1
Bassoons2
Brass
Horns4
Trumpets2
Trombones3
Tuba1
Further timp Timpani · 2prc 2 × Percussion · hp Harp
+1 = additional player on an auxiliary instrument (e.g. piccolo, cor anglais, bass clarinet, contrabassoon)
Orchestra
Symphony orchestra
Your orchestra Available to registered customers only i Your orchestra Save your orchestra’s line-up once – by drag & drop or from a template, from chamber to full symphony orchestra. Fits – no extra players needed Nearly – additionally: 1 harp 5 extra players needed Every work page then shows at a glance whether the work fits your orchestra and which extra players you would need. Several orchestras and project line-ups are possible. The catalogue is aimed at orchestras and ensembles – once logged in, the feature is available under "My orchestra". Log in →
Marches USA

John Philip Sousa, the "March King," created his most famous and enduringly celebrated march, “Stars and Stripes Forever”, in 1896. According to the legend surrounding its creation, Sousa worked out the melody in his head during a sea voyage from Europe to America, inspired by homesickness and patriotic feeling. The work was later designated the official national march of the United States of America.

The march captivates with its irresistible momentum, punchy brass fanfares, and the distinctive piccolo melody in the trio — one of the most celebrated moments in the orchestral repertoire of American music history. The present arrangement by McAlister makes the work accessible for orchestral performance while preserving the characteristic sound and spirit of the original.

“Stars and Stripes Forever” is an indispensable fixture of gala concerts, promenade events, and patriotic occasions alike. This arrangement is ideally suited as a brilliant finale to any programme, guaranteeing audiences an unforgettable closing number. Thanks to its manageable scoring and clearly structured voice leading, the work is equally appropriate for professional orchestras and ambitious amateur symphony orchestras.

„It is the best march I have ever composed, and I think it is the best march ever written.“
— Sousa, John Philip, zitiert in: Bierley, Paul E.: John Philip Sousa – American Phenomenon. Mifflin, 1973.
Date
26. Mai 1897
Venue
Willow Grove Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conductor
John Philip Sousa
Orchestra
Sousa's Band
According to Sousa's own account, "Stars and Stripes Forever" came to him during a sea voyage from Europe back to the United States in December 1896, when he learned of the sudden death of his long-time manager David Blakely. The melody took complete shape in his mind during the crossing, before he had put a single note on paper. The public premiere, performed by Sousa's Band, took place on May 26, 1897, at Willow Grove Park near Philadelphia. The piece was an immediate hit with audiences and is today considered one of the most well-known patriotic compositions in the United States. In 1987, Congress officially designated it the National March of the United States by an act of law. The qualifier "McAlister" refers to a particular performance version or arrangement and should be distinguished from Sousa's original work.

Editions available

Item no. Description Price (incl. 7% VAT)
SER-29070.00Full score
Serenissima Music, Edwardsville, 2012 		€ 23,00
SER-29087.10Set of parts with strings 4.4.3.2.2
Serenissima Music, Edwardsville, 2012 		€ 85,00
🎵 Digital options

Digital parts for this edition are not yet available. Please log in to request digitization.

SER-29087.18Extra string set 4.4.2.3.3
Serenissima Music, Edwardsville, 2012 		€ 32,00
SER-29087.21Extra Str. Vl.1€ 3,00
SER-29087.22Extra Str. Vl.2€ 3,00
SER-29087.23Extra Str. Va.€ 3,00
SER-29087.24Extra Str. Vc.€ 3,00
SER-29087.25Extra Str. Bass€ 3,00
SER-29087.12Wind parts
Serenissima Music, Edwardsville, 2012 		€ 58,00

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