Funny thing, just a month ago I found and bought a copy of the original
sheet music for Richard Wagner's "Centennial March" composed for the
Philadelphia exhibitions of 1876. It has a colorful and patriotic front
cover. It's a fairly melodious march in 6/8 time.
Now, it's a simplified piano arrangement, so it's devoid of the
countermelodies and rich diminished chords that make German marches
so special whether played by bands or band organs. I wouldn't pass
judgment on this march until I heard or saw the full band score. Which
may never happen, although the full band parts may be preserved in some
museum in Philadelphia.
As for being on a music roll, maybe a music box cylinder or disc would
be the place to look for a tune of 1876 vintage.
Mike Knudsen
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