The great German composer Richard Wagner was one of the major creative figures of the nineteenth century. These overtures and marches represent a collection of occasional pieces written by Wagner either to commission or to impress. All are characterised by his mastery of orchestration and exuberance of melodic invention. Both Polonia and Rule Britannia were composed in 1836 when Wagner was seeking to establish himself. By contrast the Imperial March and the American Centennial March were written at the end of Wagner’s life, in 1871 and 1876 respectively. Here the vitality of youth has been replaced by the mastery of experience.