“The Federal” (1910)
Just before embarking on his world tour of 1910–11, Sousa composed this march in honor of the people of Australia and New Zealand, including both in his dedication, “to the Australasians.” The title was to have been “The Land of the Golden Fleece,” but “The Federal” was suggested to Sousa by Sir George Reid, the High Commissioner for Australia, who heard it in London at the beginning of the tour. The original title was not wasted; Sousa used “In the Land of the Golden Fleece” later for the second movement of his suite, Tales of the Traveler.
On occasion, this march has been referred to as “Capitol March.”
Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 43. Used by permission.