Description
The eagle of the title recalls the bald eagle on the national emblem of the United States. Sousa published this march in 1901, and it is said to have been written with that year's Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, in mind.
At about 3 minutes 28 seconds and 2,190 notes, it is second in length only to The Stars and Stripes Forever among the Sousa marches here. Over its 6/8 pulse a stately main theme is set against more flowing melodies, and the key changes at the trio. It uses A1 at the bottom and D7 at the top, beyond a 61-key keyboard at both ends.
Carrying nearly three and a half minutes while keeping the lilt of 6/8 and the rise and fall of the dynamics takes stamina in this advanced march. Playing everything at one level soon turns monotonous, so decide on a dynamic level for each strain in advance. Repeat one strain at a time with the A-B loop and raise the playback speed gradually; the hand colours help sort out the high melody from the movement in the bass.
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Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
John Philip Sousa (1854-1932)
John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was an American composer and bandleader known as 'The March King.' He composed numerous marches, including 'The Stars and Stripes Forever,' and played a major role in developing the American concert band tradition. This site includes ten of his works, such as 'The Liberty Bell March.'
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