Music: The Little Thunderer

Generations of U.S. generals and lesser officers can still hear the thunder of that West Point organ—the thunder and sweetness that greeted them on their first tour of the Point and each Sunday in chapel. Braided veterans come back again and again to hear it and to talk to the thunderer himself. He is Organist and Choirmaster Frederick C. (for Christian) Mayer, one of West Point's major institutions. For 43 years, regardless of what changing taste in church music might dictate, Mayer chose such rousing processionals as Onward, Christian Soldiers and America, the Beautiful so that his cadet choir could...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!