Sousa Bonnie Annie Laurie

Recorded live, in concert, on February 16, 2024
Bonnie Annie Laurie March............................. John Philip Sousa (1854-1932)
“Annie Laurie” is an old Scottish song based on a poem said to have
been written by William Douglas (1672-1748) about his romance
with Annie Laurie (1682-1764). Who Annie was is a topic of
much speculation, but the lyrics paint a picture of unrequited love
and evoke feelings of heartbreak and deep longing. According to
Sousa scholar Paul E. Bierley, Sousa often remarked that Annie
Laurie was the most beautiful of all folk songs. In 1883, he wrote
the march Bonnie Annie Laurie based on the song, and it is
interesting that Sousa chose to use this tune since the melody has a
feeling of melancholy and loss. The well-known tune occurs as the
theme of the march trio and is played in grand style by the brass
section of the band. Despite several printings, this wonderful march
was soon set aside and is rarely performed today.