Beschrijving

John Philip Sousa was born in Washington in 1854 as son of a Portuguese father and a German mother. Today he is regarded as “King of March” and wrote more that 100 pieces that became standards for bands all over the world. Also he invented the Sousaphone.

“The Gladiator” was written in 1886, when Sousa was leader of the United States Marine Band. He dedicated the piece to the journalist Charles B. Towle. It is said that the title alludes to Towle being a gladiator, who fights with his pen istead of a sword. “The Gladiator” was Sousa’s first march, that became really popular.