"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 the name is attributed to Myron M. Parker, a prominent DC politician and Freemason. It is also one of Sousa's most famous compositions.

The Thunderer

John Philip Sousa's "The Thunderer", performed in 1896 by the United States Marine Band

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The Thunderer

Performed in 2007 by the United States Army Band

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Sousa developed and dedicated the song for Columbia Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar. He joined the Masonic organization earlier in his career and wished to compose a unique song for the body prior to the Twenty-fourth Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment. "The Thunderer" was likely referred to Myron M. Parker, a fellow member of Columbia Commandery, who was organizing the conclave.^[2]

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."^[3] 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, segueing to the piece's conclusion.^{[citation needed]}

• List of marches by John Philip Sousa