“The Pride of Pittsburgh” (1901)

   
          
The title of this composition was selected in a contest sponsored by Pittsburgh newspapers, but inasmuch as the march was never published Sousa subsequently used at least three other titles when programming it with the Sousa Band. These were “The Belle of Pittsburgh,” “Homage to Pittsburgh,” and “Homage to Nevin and Foster.” The march was written for the dedication of Music Hall at the Western Pennsylvania Exposition (Pittsburgh Exposition) and included melodies by two Pittsburgh composers, Stephen Foster and Ethelbert Nevin. Foster’s “Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming” and Nevin’s “Narcissus” were the melodies used.

Paul E. Bierley, The Works of John Philip Sousa (Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1984), 43. Used by permission.