March (music)
A musical genre with strong rhythm, originally for military marching.
A march is a musical composition with a strong regular rhythm, originally written for the lockstep marching of soldiers. As a genre of martial music, it is most frequently performed by a military band during parades. Marches vary widely in mood, from emotional funeral marches to brisk Romantic marches and militaristic hymns.
- origin
- Military
- common_time_signatures
- 4/4, 2/2 (alla breve), or 6/8
- key_modulation
- Often modulates to subdominant key or relative major
- typical_structure
- Three strains; third strain called 'trio'
- notable_composers
- John Philip Sousa, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Frédéric Chopin, Jean Sibelius, George Frideric Handel
Lore & Background
Marches were not notated until the late 16th century; before that, time was kept by percussion alone, often with improvised fife embellishment. With the development of brass instruments in the 19th century, marches became widely popular and elaborately orchestrated. Composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Vaughan Williams, Ives, Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Berg, Prokofiev, Hindemith, Shostakovich, and Bernstein wrote marches, sometimes incorporating them into operas, sonatas, suites, and symphonies. The popularity of John Philip Sousa's band marches has been unmatched.
Reader's Guide
March music originates from the military and is usually played by a marching band. The most important instruments are drums (especially snare drum), horns, fife or woodwind instruments, and brass instruments. Marches and marching bands still have a strong connection to military drill and parades. Marches are often important for ceremonial occasions, such as processional or coronation marches. Traditional American marches use the French or quick march tempo, influenced by continental European nations that aided the U.S. during its early wars with Great Britain, and by John Philip Sousa's Portuguese and German heritage. French military marches emphasize percussion and brass, often incorporating bugle calls. Scottish bagpipe marches are played at about 90 bpm, with retreat marches in 3/4 time and slow marches in 6/8 time.
Did You Know?
- Many funeral marches conform to the Roman standard of 60 beats per minute.
- In most traditional American marches, the third strain is referred to as the 'trio'.
- A military music event where various marching bands and units perform is called a tattoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a march in music?
A march is a genre of martial music built on a strong, steady beat, originally composed to keep soldiers moving in lockstep. It is most commonly heard today performed by military bands during parades and official ceremonies.
What is the standard structure of a march?
A typical march is organized into three strains, with the third section commonly referred to as the 'trio.' Composers often modulate to the subdominant key or the relative major during these sections to create contrast and forward momentum.
Who are the most notable composers associated with marches?
John Philip Sousa is the most widely recognized name in the American march tradition, but the genre also owes major contributions to Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Frédéric Chopin, Jean Sibelius, and George Frideric Handel.
What moods and styles can a march cover?
Marches range from deeply mournful funeral pieces to bright, brisk Romantic-era works and hard-driving militaristic hymns. The unifying element across all of them is the strong, regular pulse that propels the music forward.
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