Composer

:

John Philip Sousa

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

March: Military

Compose Date

:

1888

Average_duration

:

2:49

"Semper Fidelis" is a march composed by John Philip Sousa, the famous American composer and conductor. The march was composed in 1888 and premiered on May 14, 1888, at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C. The title "Semper Fidelis" is Latin for "Always Faithful," which is the motto of the United States Marine Corps. The march is composed in standard march form, with a trio section in the middle. It is written in the key of F major and has a tempo of 120 beats per minute. The march is scored for a standard military band, including brass, woodwinds, and percussion. The first movement of the march begins with a fanfare-like introduction, followed by the main theme played by the brass section. The second movement is the trio section, which features a more lyrical melody played by the woodwinds. The third movement is a reprise of the first movement, with some variations and a coda to bring the march to a close. The characteristics of "Semper Fidelis" are typical of Sousa's marches. It is a lively and energetic piece, with a strong emphasis on the brass section. The melody is catchy and memorable, making it a popular choice for military ceremonies and parades. The trio section provides a contrast to the main theme, with a more subdued and melodic character. Overall, "Semper Fidelis" is a classic example of a Sousa march, with its memorable melody, lively tempo, and strong brass section. It has become an iconic piece of American music, and its association with the Marine Corps has made it a beloved piece of military music as well.

More....