On the Mall

"On the Mall" is a famous march composed by American bandmaster Edwin Franko Goldman (1878–1956). It vies with Goldman's "Chimes of Liberty" as his two most popular compositions. “On the Mall” still in 2013, as indicated by Jack Kopstein, remains a featured march and continues to be performed and recorded by bands throughout America and around the world.

The score of "On the Mall" was first published in 1923 by Carl Fischer LLC. A version edited by Edward S. Lisk is frequently used. Goldman wrote a number of marches whose titles begin with words On the, the first being "On the Green" in 1920.

The phrase “On the Mall” refers to the Mall at the Naumburg Bandshell where Goldman’s Band frequently performed in New York City’s Central Park. Goldman composed "On the Mall" (possibly as early as 1922 but published the march) in 1923 to honor Elkan Naumburg, who had funded the related construction in that year as "On the Mall" premiered there on September 29 with Franz Kaltenborn as conductor and Naumburg in attendance.

In a technique identified with Goldman, the trio (third movement) is predominantly sung by the band members and then repeated, after a breakstrain, with whistling. A great believer in public participation as Goldman toured with his band in countless venues, he encouraged audiences likewise in "On the Mall" to sing along and then whistle with the band. Audience clapping in sync with the score is also common. The concluding strain of the march can be sung with lyrics written by Goldman's wife Adelaide Maibrunn Goldman. To reinforce the physical setting and the title, renditions have been known to substitute the words On the Mall in lieu of some of the lyrics.

Of the many renditions of "On the Mall" one of the most-frequently listened to has been the performance by South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble. For "On the Mall" played in the Naumburg Bandshell by Columbia Summer Winds Ensemble, click here.

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