In 1868, John Philip Sousa, not yet 14, joined the Marines to play in the Marine Band. Discharged in 1875, he returned five years later as a civilian to lead the United States Marine Band, until 1892. During his tenure in this post, Sousa composed many patriotic marches, including this popular effort, National Fencibles, written in honor of soldiers serving at home in defense of the country, soldiers one might today call the National Guard. The work opens with one of those jaunty, hardly martial-sounding themes that Sousa was so well known for. Not surprisingly, its scoring is colorful, its appeal infectious, conjuring images of parades and other festive activities, as well as evoking a vivid sense of Americana. In the second half, Sousa introduces a variant of a mellow, rather subdued character. Soon, however, his writing for the husky helicon (the Sousaphone was not yet developed) and percussion give the music oomph and muscularity. The work closes with a proud, colorful statement of the variant, its marching tread jubilant and triumphant. This work typically has a duration of three minutes.

© All Music Guide