Composer

:

Morton Gould

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Arrangement

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

4:23

American Salute is a patriotic orchestral piece composed by Morton Gould in 1942. The piece is based on the well-known American folk song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," which was originally a Civil War tune. Gould's arrangement of the song is a tribute to the American soldiers who fought in World War II. The piece premiered on November 5, 1943, at Carnegie Hall in New York City, with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Artur Rodzinski. The performance was a huge success, and American Salute quickly became one of Gould's most popular works. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of American life. The first movement is a lively and energetic march, which represents the spirit of the American people. The second movement is a slow and mournful melody, which represents the sacrifices made by American soldiers in times of war. The third movement is a triumphant and celebratory finale, which represents the victory of the American people over adversity. One of the most notable characteristics of American Salute is its use of orchestration. Gould employs a wide range of instruments, including brass, woodwinds, percussion, and strings, to create a rich and vibrant sound. The piece also features several solos, including a trumpet solo in the first movement and a clarinet solo in the second movement. Overall, American Salute is a powerful and moving tribute to the American spirit and the sacrifices made by American soldiers in times of war. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved piece of American orchestral music.

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