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.
Sonata
III contains
such a theme, one from Haydn’s Opus 76, Number 3,
Kaiserquartett (
Emperor
Quartet), known today as “Austrian Hymn.”
An
organ transcription of these variations is also available. Moderate.