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- Wagner, Richard
Duration: 12 minutes
Description: Richard Wagner (1813–1883) composed the GROSSER FESTMARSCH (also known as the AMERICAN CENTENNIAL MARCH), WWV 110, in 1876 to commemorate the centennial of the United States Declaration of Independence. Commissioned by the city of Philadelphia for its grand Centennial Exposition, the work was Wagner’s only composition written for an American occasion. Completed in April 1876 while the composer was deeply engaged in preparations for the first Bayreuth Festival, the march was premiered on May 10, 1876, in Philadelphia, conducted by Theodore Thomas. Scored for a large orchestra and marked by its stately grandeur and ceremonial tone, the piece reflects Wagner’s command of orchestral color and majesty. While rarely performed today and often considered a curiosity within Wagner’s oeuvre, the GROSSER FESTMARSCH remains a fascinating example of his style adapted for a public celebration and stands as a unique musical link between the German Romantic tradition and America’s centennial festivities. Instrumentation: 3+1(Picc).3.3.3+1(CBsn): 4.3+1(BsTpt).3.1: Timp.Perc(4-5): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.