Synopsis

John Phillip Sousa achieved the status of America’s most beloved bandmaster, yet his musical interests extended far beyond the realm of marches. He was instrumental in introducing the great European composers—Verdi, Wagner, Puccini—to a rapidly expanding American middle class. His music enjoyed widespread popularity, and he pioneered the concept of touring with a large musical ensemble, proving that such an organization could be financially viable. Sousa played a key role in the development of t