program notes by composition > a > American Salute
American Salute
Morton Gould
American Salute was originally composed for orchestra during World War II, at the request of a government radio program that wanted a “salute to America.” It is based on the Civil War tune When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again, which had become a mainstay in American culture at the time. Gould composed the piece in just 24 hours and orchestrated it for band the following year. It has become Gould’s most popular work.