Composer

:

John Philip Sousa

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

March

Compose Date

:

1923

Average_duration

:

3:29

"Nobles of the Mystic Shrine" is a band music composed by John Philip Sousa, an American composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 1923 and premiered on May 12, 1923, at the Imperial Council Session of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Washington, D.C. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled "The Mystic Shrine," is a march that begins with a fanfare and features a lively melody played by the brass section. The second movement, titled "The Veiled Prophet," is a slower, more contemplative piece that features a haunting melody played by the woodwinds. The third movement, titled "The Grand Procession," is a triumphant march that features a grandiose melody played by the full band. The piece is characterized by its use of traditional march rhythms and instrumentation, as well as its incorporation of Middle Eastern and North African musical elements. The use of exotic scales and rhythms, such as the use of the Phrygian mode, gives the piece a unique and exotic flavor. Overall, "Nobles of the Mystic Shrine" is a masterful composition that showcases Sousa's skill as a composer and his ability to blend different musical styles and traditions into a cohesive and exciting piece of music. Its premiere at the Imperial Council Session of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine was a fitting tribute to the organization and its members, and the piece remains a beloved and iconic part of the band music repertoire to this day.

More....