“Revival March” (1876) 

 

This march incorporated the hymn “[In the] Sweet Bye and Bye” and was probably written at the suggestion of Simon Hassler, the Philadelphia composer and orchestra leader. It was one of Sousa’s earliest marches and was written for orchestra, not band. His former music teacher, John Esputa Jr., made note of the march and correctly predicted Sousa’s future in music. He wrote in the September 30, 1876, issue of his weekly newspaper, the Musical Monitor: “We have now on hand the ‘Grand Revival March’ composed by J. P. Sousa of this city, and which was played with immense success by Hassler’s orchestra at the Chestnut St. Theatre, Phila. The march is deserving of credit. We are glad to see such proficiency in one so young, and predict for him a brilliant future.”

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 80. Used by permission.