The Thunderer
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The Thunderer
 John Philip Sousa's "The Thunderer", performed in 1896 by the United States Marine Corps Band |
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"The Thunderer" is a march composed by John Philip Sousa in 1889.[1] The origin of the name is not officially known, though it is speculated that it gets its name from the "pyrotechnic [effects] of the drum and bugle in [the] score."[2] It is also one of his most famous, and easy to perform.[2] It was also the election theme for ABC News from 1968 to 1972.[3] The song is also used in a Columbo episode Make Me a Perfect Murder
The music
The piece is in much the same manner as most of Sousa's music; however, it is one of his first "distinctly American-sounding marches.".[2] The march follows the standard form (IAABBCDCDC) that is used in many of his other works. As is common, his themes are contrasting. During the repeat of the B section, Sousa introduces new countermelodic ideas. The trio is songlike. There is a ritardando leading into the repeat of the final theme, seguing to the piece's conclusion.[2]
References
- ↑ "The Works of John Philip Sousa". John Philip Sousa - American Conductor, Composer & Patriot. Dallas Wind Symphony. Archived from the original on September 8, 2007. Retrieved September 10, 2007.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "The Thunderer, march for band". Answers.com. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
- ↑ 1972 Election Night Coverage ABC News Part 1 7:00-7:30. YouTube. 17 September 2011.
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