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The Purple Pageant

Karl King / ed. John Paynter

The Purple Pageant was written by the legendary Karl King for Glenn Cliffe Bainum, long-time conductor at Northwestern University..

Karl King (1891–1971) was a pre-eminent composer and bandmaster of his time. Born in Ohio, he began a decade-long career as a baritone player circus musician at the age of 19, spending one season each with Robinson’s Famous Circus, Yankee Robinson Circus, Sells Floto Circus, and Barnum and Bailey. He composed over 300 pieces including galops, waltzes, overtures, serenades, rags, and marches. “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite” was his masterpiece. He led the Fort Dodge, Iowa municipal band for 51 years.

Last updated on May 8, 2019 by Palatine Concert Band