26 - Interview with Anthony O'Toole: Modern Compositions Inspired By History

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Episode 26 is our conversation with composer Anthony O’Toole. We primarily focus on three of Anthony’s pieces: A New Birth of Freedom, The Battle Cry of Freedom, and Butler’s Blunders. All three of these pieces were inspired by or in some way connected to 19th century brass bands and Anthony’s love of history. Along the way, we talk about many other general aspects of music making and composing, and we really enjoyed Anthony’s insights and thoughts on music in a general sense.

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Music in this episode comes from Anthony O’Toole, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

• 4:09 - Anthony's musical background, how his composition projects get started

• 9:17 - Anthony's interest in history

• 12:14 - Background on A New Birth of Freedom

• 22:17 - Recording: A New Birth of Freedom

• 26:44 - Background on Anthony's setting of The Battle Cry of Freedom

• 42:58 - Recording: Battle Cry of Freedom, performed by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band

• 47:21 - Experience composing that piece as part of an audition for the Marine Band

• 49:43 - Background on Butler's Blunders

• 55:01 - Month of Miniatures

• 1:01:45 - Recording: Butler's Blunders

• 1:03:28 - Composing in the style of the 19th century, studying other composers

• 1:10:56 - Being adaptable as a composer

• 1:24:02 - How you can get in touch with Anthony

• 1:26:47 - Show wrap-up, Featured Album: Anthony's SoundCloud page