Virgil Thomson: Portraits - Virgil Thomson - Vinyl LP UK

Virgil Thomson: Portraits - Virgil Thomson

Album Description

Virgil Thomson's "Portraits" is a captivating exploration of neoclassical composition, released on New World Records in 1993. This album is a testament to Thomson's unique ability to capture the essence of individuals through music, as evidenced by the three distinct portrait suites that make up the majority of the album. Each piece is a musical sketch, painting a vivid picture of its subject, from the intimate "Nine Portraits for piano" to the more expansive "Seventeen Portraits for piano."

The album also features the intriguing "Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree," a multi-movement work that tells a story through music, and "Five 2-Part Inventions," a series of duets that showcase Thomson's playful side. With a total runtime of just under an hour, "Portraits" offers a concise yet comprehensive journey through Thomson's musical world. Whether you're a longtime fan of neoclassical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album is a compelling introduction to the work of Virgil Thomson.

1 januari 19931993 Anthology of Recorded Music, Inc.1993 Anthology of Recorded Music, Inc.

Tracks

Nine Portraits for piano: Madame Dubost chez elleVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:03
Nine Portraits for piano: Russell Hitchcock, ReadingVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:04
Nine Portraits for piano: Ettie StettheimerVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:03
Nine Portraits for piano: Helen Austin at Home and AbroadVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:15
Nine Portraits for piano: A French Boy of Ten - Louis LangeVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:20
Nine Portraits for piano: Pastoral - A Portrait of Tristan TzaraVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
2:27
Nine Portraits for piano: Awake or Asleep - Pierre MabilleVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:13
Nine Portraits for piano: Prisoner of the Mind - Schuyler WattsVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
2:04
Nine Portraits for piano: For Eugene Ormandy's Birthday, 18 November 1969 A Study in Stacked-Up ThirdsVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:23
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: I. The Parson Writes His BookVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:39
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: II. The Parson Instructs George & Martha in the Gentle Art of the DanceVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:29
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: III. The HatchetVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
0:53
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: IV. The Pitcher and the BucketVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:07
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: V. Rum is a DemonVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
2:25
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: VI. Martha's Secret LoveVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:03
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: VII. Molly Whips the Army into ShapeVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
0:57
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: VIII. Crossing the DelawareVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:57
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: IX. Hard Times at Valley ForgeVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
3:09
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: X. On to GloryVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:33
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: XI. Cavalry ManoeuversVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:31
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: XII. Chopping the Tree and Winging to HeavenVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
2:50
Five 2-Part Inventions: With marked rhythmVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:09
Five 2-Part Inventions: FreelyVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:12
Five 2-Part Inventions: FlowingVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
0:59
Five 2-Part Inventions: RhythmicallyVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:05
Five 2-Part Inventions: FirmlyVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:00
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Molly Davies - TerminationsVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:00
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Dennis Russell Davies - In a HammockVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:10
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Rodney Lister - Music for a Merry-go-roundVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
0:57
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Doña Flor - ReceivingVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:05
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Dr. Marcel Roche - Making a DecisionVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:30
Seventeen Portraits for piano: David Dubal - In FlightVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:07
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Peter McWilliams - Firmly SpontaneousVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:05
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Vassilis Voglis - On the MarchVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:19
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Power Boothe - With PencilVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:11
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Mark Beard - Never AloneVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
0:53
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Louis Rispoli - In a BoatVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:01
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Malitte Matta - In the Executive StyleVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:07
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Glynn Boyd Harte - ReachingVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:23
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Bennett Lerner - Senza ExpressioneVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:23
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Phillip Ramey - Thinking HardVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
0:48
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Charles Fussell - In MeditationVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:21
Seventeen Portraits for piano: Brendan Lemon - A Study Piece for PianoVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
1:32

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About Virgil Thomson

Virgil Thomson, an influential figure in 20th-century American music, was a composer and critic whose neoclassical style left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Born in 1896, Thomson's work is celebrated for its clarity, wit, and accessibility, often blending traditional forms with modern sensibilities. His compositions, ranging from operas to symphonies, are known for their distinctive American voice, reflecting his deep appreciation for both high art and popular culture. Beyond his composing, Thomson was a prolific critic, offering insightful commentary on the music of his time. His dual role as creator and critic provided a unique perspective that continues to inspire musicians and scholars alike. Thomson's legacy endures as a testament to his innovative spirit and enduring influence on American classical music.