SASHA PAULSEN

San Jose Examiner
July 5, 2011

Old Fashioned Patriotism in San Jose
by Beeri Moalem, Classical Music Critic

Back before there was Hip Hop, Rock and Roll, and Jazz, American music was first defined by the brass marches of John Philip Sousa. Bright, chipper, and militaristic, Sousa’s music has that energetic bounce—syncopations and agile leaps of phrase—that old-world music didn’t have. This rhythmic energy eventually found its way to Ragtime and from there to Jazz. Sousa’s distinct marches instantly associate with old-fashioned patriotism and presidential pomp, dating from the end of the 19th century, when America was bursting forth onto the world stage as an emerging superpower.

That spirit of American exceptionalism was celebrated this 4th of July weekend, in Ken Malucelli’s “Oh Mr. Sousa!”, a semi-staged biographical play that admiringly chronicles Sousa’s life. The eight-member cast was backed up by a live band of winds; it is nice to hear—even for a string player—that brass band music is enjoyed outside of high school music programs and military functions.

Touring the show around the country since 2004, Malucelli has made it a mission to educate the public about one of America’s first musical stars. Anecdotal vignettes from Sousa’s life are interwoven with his music: “Peaches and Cream” follows his first meeting with future wife, Jennie; “Turkey in the Straw” follows an interview with a reporter who accuses the music of being “corny;” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” his most famous march, was the grand finale.

Admittedly, I recognized many of the tunes but didn’t know they were Sousa’s. I was also surprised to learn of the beauty in Sousa’s waltzes, and the elegance in ballads from his operettas. These melodies had delicate phrases—there is more to the man than just brash, strong-legged marches.

The music, dialogue, and acting in the production cheesy in a charming way—the kind that would delight your American grandma and make your grandpa tap his foot...

But at the very end, when Old Glory is waved, that thrilling patriotic fervor excites the spine and inspires—that feeling of true love of country and flag—was captured. This kind of patriotism is not often captured these days. Patriotism is becoming passé, in favor of criticism and cynicism, the flag tarnished by corruption, dirty politics, and needless wars. But Sousa’s music reminds us of that original boundless American optimism and reunites us through music.