Hands Across the Sea
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Hands Across the Sea is a patriotic/military march composed in 1899 by John Philip Sousa. Sousa told interviewers that the following phrase inspired him to compose this march:
"A sudden thought strikes me; let us swear eternal friendship"
The march was dedicated to all of America's allied countries abroad and is written in cut time, starting out in Concert C. It follows the standard march form (AABBCCDCDC). It has a very catchy and flowing tune in the trio. The 1st trio repeat carries a piccolo obbligato and the Gradioso carries both the obbligato and a low brass counter-melody.
Hands Across the Sea remains as one of Mr. Sousa's more popular marches, and is still performed widely by bands everywhere.