Eugene Thayer (1838-1889), a contemporary of Dudley Buck and John Knowles
Paine, was one of the early American organ virtuosi who composed many works
for the organ. In the second half of the 19th century, it was fashionable to
compose music based on patriotic music of the time. His
Sonata II
contains two such movements: a stately fugue on
America (
God
Save the Queen) and an engaging set of variations on
The Star Spangled
Banner. In between these moderately difficult movements, there is a
short slow one that is easy to play and could be used for an offertory or quiet
prelude.