James Barnes

The Lightning Brigade

The Lightning Brigade celebrates John T. Wilder, an Indiana historical figure in the Civil War, and his unique mounted infantry brigade that proved themselves decisive in several Western Campaign battles. The march begins with dramatic bugle-like fanfares, moving quickly into its menacing main theme, where the minor-key melody is carried in the low brass and winds. The B section by contrast is light and breezy, in the relative major led by the upper voices. The music modulates to an unusual key for the trio, accompanied by the galloping brigade in the percussion.