This was my second-ever Two for Tuesday, from July 3, 2012
Tomorrow is Independence Day here in the United States, and what could be more American than Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra playing two marches by John Philip Sousa?
The song many people (including me) associate the most with Fiedler is Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” Fiedler started the tradition of a Fourth of July Concert with fireworks on the Charles River Esplanade, and always ended the concert with it. After his death in 1979, John Williams, who took over as director of the Boston Pops, ended his first concert with the tune, vacating the conductor’s podium in his honor.
John Philip Sousa was the director of the United States Marine Corps band, and wrote “Semper Fidelis” as their official march. I include it here because “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful) is not only the motto of the Marines, but of the Holton family.
Happy Independence Day to my fellow countrymen, and Happy 4th of July to everyone else!
I’ll celebrate to this one.
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Like Arlee said yesterday, Sousa and Independence Day go hand-in-hand, and Arthur Fiedler does a fantastic job with Sousa’s music.
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Very patriotic! Good selections, John. And interesting facts!
Visit me @ Life & Faith in Caneyhead. 😉
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Glad you liked them. Sousa was truly The March King, and ranks with Aaron Copland, Irving Berlin, and George Gershwin as one of the greatest American composers.
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Yes! Great selection!
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Thanks! Fiedler’s a favorite.
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Fiedler is one of the best ever! I love his style and look for his recordings
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My stepfather used to tell where he saw Fiedler directing the Chicago Symphony (not sure about that… it might have been the Boston Pops at Orchestra Hall) back in the Sixties, and he finished the concert with The Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” At the end, he turned to the audience and said, “Don’t ever say The Beatles don’t write great music.” “An Evening At Pops” was must-see TV at our house, as much to watch him direct as to hear the music.
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