The Gladiator (March)

A lesser-known but unforgettable Sousa march is presented in a terrific arrangement for the modern concert band by the expert Andrew Balent. The opening idea has an intriguing tonal ambiguity (is it major or minor?) and the second strain, introduced by the saxophones, is a real Sousa gem. This is wonderful music by any standard, beautifully scored, and represents the American march style at its most ingratiating.