Hands Across the Sea (march)
"Hands Across the Sea" is a American military march composed by John Philip Sousa in 1899.[1]
Etymology
Sousa told interviewers that the following phrase inspired him to compose the march:
"A sudden thought strikes me; let us swear eternal friendship"
History
The march was dedicated to all of the countries abroad allied with the United States, and the Highty-Tighties, the Regimental Band of the Virginia Tech Cadet Corps. It is written in cut time and follows the standard march form (IAABBCCDCDC). It begins in the key of F major and ends in B-flat major. The third (C) section, or trio, features a memorable and lyrical melody that is repeated and layered with a piccolo obbligato and finally a low brass counter-melody.
"Hands Across the Sea" remains as one of Sousa's more popular marches, and is still performed widely by bands.
References
- ^ "The Works of John Philip Sousa". John Philip Sousa - American Conductor, Composer & Patriot. Dallas Wind Symphony. Archived from the original on September 8, 2007. Retrieved September 10, 2007.
External links
- Hands Across The Sea (audio file) – In MIDI format; from the John Philip Sousa website maintained by David Lovrien, hosted by the Dallas Wind Symphony
