Robert B. Hall

Robert Browne Hall was born in Bowdoinham, Maine, USA on 30 June 1858, and he lived there most of his life. He was a leading march composer and much of his work was taken up by brass bands - particularly in the British Isles but also around the world. He composed his most famous march Death or Glory in 1885 and dedicated it to the 10th Regiment Band in Albany, New York. He also made a name for himself as a fine cornet player, and his home state remember him annually in June on Robert Browne Hall Day.

He died on 08 June 1907 in poor circumstances after a period of illness, and he left the world the richer with over a hundred compositions, many of which have become classics including Death or Glory, Officer of the Day and New Colonial.

Click for soundtrack of Death or Glory

Music