Ben-Hur Chariot Race, The

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John Philip Sousa

John Philip Sousa


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Subtitle: Symphonic Poem

This work may also be found under the title The Chariot Race


General Info

Year: 1890
Duration: c. 4:55
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Manuscript
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown

For availability information, see Discussion tab, above.


Instrumentation

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Hannah Harris, a Philadelphia educator, had heard the U.S. Marine Band in Washington and arranged to bring Sousa and the band to Philadelphia for concerts. In a later letter to Sousa she suggested that he write this descriptive piece, speculating that it would be a success because of the current popularity of Ben Hur. She was correct.

- Program Note from John Philip Sousa: A Descriptive Catalog of His Works.


In writing this descriptive piece, Sousa was inspired by Lew Wallace’s popular novel, Ben Hur. We hear the trumpeter’s call to post -- the trample of the eager horses in the stalls -- the teams shooting out like missiles as the race begins -- the screams of fear as one contestant falls and is crushed beneath the hoofs of his own steeds -- the race narrowing down to Ben Hur and the savagely unfair Messala -- Ben Hur battling in self defense -- Messala’s chariot being dashed to bits and Messala being pitched headlong and dragged by the reins – Ben Hur’s triumph -- and the final turns of his chariot wheels as he rolls to a stop.

- Program Note from U.S. Marine Band CD The Heritage of John Philip Sousa, Volume 5


Instrumental parts for this may not have ever been engraved. The manuscript parts used by Sousa's band are in the collection of Sousa's papers at the University of Illinois.

- Program Note from International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


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Resources