William Tell—Ballet Music (Part 1)

In celebration of the forthcoming release, Echoes from Asbury Park, here is an audio portrait of the famous concert ensemble, Arthur Pryor's Band. Pryor left the employment of Sousa's Band in about 1903 and started his own band of about 50 musicians, gaining fame and notoriety over the next quarter-century second only to Sousa.

Pryor's abilities to transcribe orchestral music for concert band are in evidence here. Notice too the splendid balance Pryor achieved on the recording by his expertise in situating his musicians carefully around the acoustic recording horn.

If you like this kind of music, be sure to check out Echoes from Asbury Park, which features two simulated concerts by Pryor's Band and expert commentary by Pryor scholar David Sager.