THE ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE PICCOLO EXCERPT FROM THE SELECTED MARCHES BY JOHN PHILIP SOUSA

Abstract

The thesis of the Analysis and Interpretation of the Piccolo Excerpt from the Selected Marches by John Philip Sousa is the qualitative research. The researcher conducted a comprehensive study using academic research, textbooks, and selected seven of John Philip Sousa’s march compositions. These seven compositions have been published in the journal titled “The Complete Marches of John Philip Sousa” from Second to Sixth edition, by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. The objectives of this study are 1) To analyze the seven march compositions by John Philip Sousa. 2) To interpret the piccolo performances from the selected march compositions by John Philip Sousa.

The findings show that Sousa’s seven march compositions are adhere to the form of the march genre. Moreover, the tempo indications in Sousa’s compositions often specify as "March Tempo" which the researcher interprets as a brisk tempo suitable for marching, with a half note in 2/2 time equating to 120-122 beats per minute. The tempo marking "Marcia brillante" is interpreted as a bright, fast tempo, with a quarter note equating to 145 beats per minute. Also, the interpretation of piccolo performances in the seven selected march compositions aims to serve as a guide for achieving the stylistic nuances in accordance with John Philip Sousa’s performance practices. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of articulation and dynamic control. The following are the techniques for playing the piccolo 1) trilling 2) Double tonguing 3) Sudden breathing 4) Articulation in a march style 5) grace notes 6) Triple tonguing.