Marshall's Civic Band

Composed in 1897. "After the widespread success of his operetta 'El Capitan', 
Sousa regrettably declined an offer of $100,000 for 'The Bride Elect', from 
which this march was extracted. The operetta soon passed from the musical scene, 
but the march was a favorite of bandsmen for many years to come. 
    "The march was pieced together from various sections of the operetta. The 
principal theme was developed from the song, 'Unchain the Dogs of War,' which 
ended Act II. The march was sometimes programmed by the Sousa Band under that 
title. 
    "According to Frank Simon, cornetist of the Sousa Band from 1914 to 1920, 
'The Bride Elect' was among Sousa's own favorites. He once referred to it as the 
best march he had ever written." 
 
The Works of John Philip Sousa 
pg. 44 
Paul E. Bierley 
Integrity Press 
1984