Stars and Stripes (CD)

“If you can imagine the Chicago Bears fight song performed by the entire Chicago Symphony Orchestra and members of its Symphony Chorus, with none other than Georg Solti as cheerleader in chief, you have a good idea of the tidal wave of pigskin pride that poured from the CSO’s postconcert rally Thursday night in Orchestra Hall . . . The roar of the capacity crowd could, no doubt, be heard as far as New Orleans. Super Bowl Mania had struck again.” — Chicago Tribune, January 24, 1986 (two days prior to the Chicago Bears’ 1986 Super Bowl XX victory)

Choreographer George Balanchine gave many gifts to the American people, but the most typically American and sparkling of these gifts was the ballet Stars and Stripes. Premiered in 1958, the ballet was adapted and assembled by Hershey Kay and incorporated 30 minutes of John Philip Sousa’s most famous compositions.

The latter half of this album features American tunes by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, including the iconic 1986 recording of Bear Down, Chicago Bears, recorded during the Chicago Bears’ 1986 Super Bowl season. Coupled with this festive work are two American classics — the national anthem and national march.

Sousa Stars and Stripes, A Ballet in Five Campaigns (adapted and arranged by Hershy Kay)
Henry Lewis conductor
National Philharmonic Orchestra
July 1976, Henry Wood Hall, London

Sousa King Cotton (arr. Rogers)
Henry Lewis conductor
National Philharmonic Orchestra
July 1976, Henry Wood Hall, London

Sousa Semper Fidelis (arr. Rogers)
Henry Lewis conductor
National Philharmonic Orchestra
July 1976, Henry Wood Hall, London

Sousa El Capitán (arr. Rogers)
Henry Lewis conductor
National Philharmonic Orchestra
July 1976, Henry Wood Hall, London

Sousa The Stars and Stripes Forever
Sir Georg Solti conductor
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
January 1986, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Smith The Star-Spangled Banner
Sir Georg Solti conductor
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago Symphony Chorus
Margaret Hillis director
January 1986, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Downs Bear Down, Chicago Bears
Sir Georg Solti conductor
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago Symphony Chorus
Margaret Hillis director
January 1986, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Discs: 1
Record Label: Decca
Release Date: July 15, 2016