This irresistible collection of marches, waltzes and galops has quickly established itself as Office Pick-Me-Up of the Month; Jarvi describes this music in his booklet-note as 'the American counterpart of a great Viennese tradition', and it shows in affectionate performances which swing and lilt with Straussian abandon.

Washington Post, The Liberty Bell and The Stars and Stripes Forever are all well known, but most of the music here proves a discovery. Sousa is much more than military bombast and brass-band oompah, and Jarvi clearly has an affection for this American Johann Strauss, who could write an affecting Nymphalin, for cello and orchestra, that ought to be better know. The familiar pieces are rollicking fun.

Looking for something foot-tapping and beguiling, and with a fund of tunes? This Chandos Sousa release could be the answer.