Composer

:

John Philip Sousa

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1895

Average_duration

:

12:12

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

"Three Quotations" 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 1917 and premiered on May 17, 1917, at the Hippodrome Theatre in New York City. The composition consists of three movements, each of which is based on a famous quotation. The first movement, titled "The Spirit of Independence," is based on the quotation "Give me liberty or give me death" by Patrick Henry. The movement is characterized by its bold and patriotic themes, with the brass section playing a prominent role in conveying the sense of national pride and determination. The second movement, titled "The Spirit of Union," is based on the quotation "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately" by Benjamin Franklin. This movement is more somber and reflective than the first, with a slower tempo and more subdued instrumentation. The woodwinds and strings take center stage in this movement, conveying a sense of unity and cooperation. The third and final movement, titled "The Spirit of Victory," is based on the quotation "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" by Franklin D. Roosevelt. This movement is the most triumphant of the three, with a fast tempo and lively instrumentation. The brass section once again plays a prominent role, conveying a sense of confidence and determination in the face of adversity. Overall, "Three Quotations" is a powerful and stirring piece of music that captures the spirit of American patriotism and resilience. Its three movements each convey a different aspect of the American character, from the determination to fight for freedom to the importance of unity and cooperation to the confidence to overcome any obstacle. It remains a beloved piece of American band music to this day.

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