In the program notes, Rouse called the work "a nine-minute concert opener that reflects my continuing love of the popular music of my younger years.
[3] Thunderstuck directly references the 1978 Jay Ferguson song "Thunder Island", which partially inspired the work's title.
[3] Thunderstuck is scored for three flutes, three oboes, two clarinets, bass clarinet, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four French horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, harp, timpani, percussion (three players), and strings (violins I & II, violas, violoncellos, and double basses).
"[4] Despite criticizing the premiere performance, David Allen of The New York Times also praised the piece, saying, "It's designed to be a fun concert opener, and it is.
"[3] Eric C. Simpson of the New York Classical Review was slightly more critical, saying, "Rouse says the work is meant to be 'engaging and fun.'