We have a collection of 16 arrangements for John Philip Sousa - The Stars and Stripes Forever
What is the official national march of the United States? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover John Philip Sousa: The March King
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" is one of John Philip Sousa's most famous compositions, and there are several interesting facts about both the piece and the composer:
Composed on Christmas Day: John Philip Sousa composed "The Stars and Stripes Forever" on Christmas Day in 1896. He was on a voyage home from a European vacation when he received news of the death of his band's manager, David Blakely. This inspired Sousa to write the piece in dedication to his beloved country.
National March of the United States: In 1987, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution that officially declared "The Stars and Stripes Forever" as the national march of the United States. It is one of the most patriotic and recognizable American marches.
Triton Fountain Inspiration: The famous trio section of the march, often referred to as the "Piccolo Solo," was inspired by the Triton Fountain in Rome. Sousa was on a European tour at the time and was struck by the fountain's beauty. He wanted to capture the essence of the water spurting from the fountain in the music.
First Public Performance: "The Stars and Stripes Forever" was first performed in public on May 14, 1897, at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. It was an instant hit and remains popular to this day.
Sousa's Personal Favorite: John Philip Sousa considered "The Stars and Stripes Forever" to be his greatest composition. He would often end his concerts with this piece, ensuring a rousing and patriotic conclusion to his performances.
Piccolo Player's Revenge: Sousa wrote the famous piccolo solo as a challenge to piccolo players, as he believed the instrument was often overshadowed in military bands. He wanted to give piccolo players their moment to shine, and it has since become one of the most recognized and challenging piccolo solos in the world.
Copyright Renewal: Sousa was so protective of his music that he renewed the copyright for "The Stars and Stripes Forever" multiple times. This was unusual for the time, as many composers did not renew their copyrights, allowing their music to enter the public domain.
Last Performance: John Philip Sousa conducted his last public performance of "The Stars and Stripes Forever" on March 6, 1932, at the age of 77. He died later that year on March 6.
Presidential Connection: "The Stars and Stripes Forever" has been a favorite of many U.S. presidents. It was a particular favorite of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who asked Sousa to play it frequently during his presidency.
Popular Cultural Influence: The march has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. It is often used to evoke a sense of patriotism and celebration in American media.
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" continues to be an iconic and cherished piece of American music, representing the spirit and pride of the United States.