by John Philip Sousa
Disc: John Philip Sousa: Music for Wind Band Volume 20
Recording: Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Wind Orchestra
Conductor: Keith Brion
Publisher: Naxos 8.559850
This extensive series of Sousa just keeps going and going. Volume 20 features some rarely heard excerpts from Sousa operettas and musicals. Included are Chris and the Wonderful Lamp, the Bride-Elect, the Free Lance as well as the First Fantasia for Wind Band from El Capitan arranged by Vincent Ragone. The Second Fantasia, also arranged by Ragone appeared on Volume 19. Two humoresques on popular songs are also featured: Oh, How I Waited for You (Nat D. Ayer & Harry Carlton) and Follow the Swallow (Ray Henderson). The remaining pair of works are A Bouquet of Beloved Inspirations (based on familiar orchestral classics) and the clever Good-Bye which is a wry twist on the idea conveyed by Haydn’s Farewell Symphony. Another brilliant and creative collection from Keith Brion and his musicians.
