The Phantom Regiment

This work was written by Leroy Anderson in 1951 and premiered by him when he recorded it for Decca. Interestingly, in 1956 the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps of Rockford, Illinois changed their original name from the Rockford Rangers after having heard the piece played by a different corps. The music emulates the sound of distant trumpets and soldiers marching, drawing closer to the listener bit by bit. As the music gains strength, the marching and trumpets get louder and after passing the audience, it slowly fades away as they disappear into the distance again.