Composer

:

George Gershwin

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Song: Popular

Compose Date

:

1927

Average_duration

:

2:41

"Strike Up the Band" is a musical number composed by George Gershwin in 1927. The song was written for the musical of the same name, which was a satire on the military-industrial complex and the arms race. The plot of the musical revolves around a group of high school students who decide to form a band and enter a national competition. However, they soon discover that the competition is rigged in favor of a company that produces weapons, and they decide to take on the company and expose their corruption. The musical was composed in 1927, and it premiered on Broadway on January 14, 1930. The show was directed by Alexander Leftwich and choreographed by George Balanchine. The original cast included actors such as Jimmy Durante, Ethel Merman, and Paul Whiteman. "Strike Up the Band" is a lively and upbeat song that features a catchy melody and clever lyrics. The song is characterized by its use of syncopation and jazz rhythms, which were hallmarks of Gershwin's style. The song also features a brass-heavy orchestration, which gives it a bold and powerful sound. The musical number is divided into several movements, each of which features a different section of the band. The opening movement features the brass section, which plays a fanfare-like melody that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second movement features the woodwinds, which play a playful and whimsical melody. The third movement features the percussion section, which plays a driving and energetic rhythm. The final movement brings all the sections of the band together, culminating in a rousing and triumphant finale. Overall, "Strike Up the Band" is a classic example of George Gershwin's musical style. It is a lively and energetic song that showcases his mastery of jazz rhythms and orchestration. The song has remained popular over the years and has been covered by numerous artists in a variety of styles.

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