Making the march king : John Philip Sousa's Washington years, 1854-1893 /

Warfield's illuminating biography of Sousa (1854-1932) documents Sousa's work during his early years, with emphasis on the events and ideas that contributed to forming the "mature" Sousa. Communities and educational training dominant in the second half of the 19th century inform and create that mature Sousa, the one with whom most Americans are now familiar. In chapter 1, "A Capital Boyhood," Warfield (Univ. of Maryland) provides a detailed and ingenious examination of life in Washington, DC. He writes that "by Sousa's eighth birthday his hometown had become an armed camp, but before the end of the war it would also be a massive field hospital." In chapter 6, "Civilian Music in Washington," the author explores Sousa's contributions to that city's culture; e.g., he conducted works by Gilbert and Sullivan. The evolution of Washington's artistic culture serves as the backdrop for the story of Sousa's stylistic evolution, not just as the "march king" but also as composer of parlor songs, parade and medley marches, waltzes and polkas, and incidental music and operettas. This study is thorough, engaging, and fun. Musicians interested in the evolution of music in the US will be riveted by this study of one of America's most beloved musical icons. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. K. S. Todd Oklahoma Baptist University