Composer

:

John Philip Sousa

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

Band Music

Compose Date

:

1886

Average_duration

:

0:49

'With Steady Step' is a band music composed by John Philip Sousa, one of the most famous American composers and conductors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The piece was composed in 1911 and premiered on May 12, 1911, by the Sousa Band at the Hippodrome Theatre in New York City. 'With Steady Step' is a march in four-four time, with a tempo marking of 120 beats per minute. The piece is structured in three distinct sections, or movements, each with its own character and mood. The first movement is marked by a bold and confident melody, played by the brass and percussion sections. The second movement is more subdued, with a lyrical melody played by the woodwinds and strings. The third movement returns to the bold and confident character of the first, with a reprise of the opening melody and a rousing finale. The piece is characterized by Sousa's signature style, which combines military and patriotic themes with elements of popular music and dance. The use of brass and percussion instruments, along with the steady march rhythm, gives the piece a martial quality, while the use of woodwinds and strings adds a softer, more lyrical element. The melody is catchy and memorable, with a strong sense of forward motion and momentum. 'With Steady Step' is a classic example of Sousa's band music, which was hugely popular in the United States and around the world during his lifetime. His marches and other compositions were played by military bands, school bands, and community bands, and were often used as patriotic and ceremonial music. Today, Sousa's music remains a beloved part of American musical heritage, and 'With Steady Step' is a prime example of his enduring legacy.

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