Immerse yourself in the intricate and captivating world of Virgil Thomson's "Piano Music by Virgil Thomson," a neoclassical masterpiece released in 1983 under the Musical Heritage Society label. This album is a testament to Thomson's unique compositional style, blending traditional and modern elements to create a sound that is both timeless and innovative.
The album is divided into three main sections: two piano sonatas and two albums of portraits. The Piano Sonata No. 1 and Piano Sonata No. 2 each consist of three movements, showcasing Thomson's ability to craft dynamic and expressive pieces that range from lively and energetic to introspective and serene. These sonatas are a great starting point for those new to Thomson's work, offering a comprehensive overview of his pianistic prowess.
The Portraits albums are where Thomson's creativity truly shines. Each piece in these collections is a musical portrait of a different individual, capturing their essence through sound. From the playful "Bugles and Birds - A Portrait of Pablo Picasso" to the introspective "Solitude - A Portrait of Lou Harrison," these portraits are a journey through the lives and personalities of Thomson's contemporaries. The Portraits for Piano Solo, Album Three, continues this exploration, with pieces like "The Dream World of Peter Rose-Pulham" and "Souvenir - A Portrait of Paul Bowles" offering a glimpse into the imaginative world of Thomson's subjects.
With a total runtime of 49 minutes, this album is a compact yet comprehensive exploration of Virgil Thomson's piano music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Piano Music by Virgil Thomson" is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2021 Musical Heritage Society(P) 1983 Amerco
Tracks
Piano Sonata No. 1: I. Allegro con brioVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Piano Sonata No. 1: II. AndanteVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Piano Sonata No. 1: III. Allegro non troppoVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits, Album I: 1. Bugles and Birds - A Portrait of Pablo PicassoVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits, Album I: 2. With Fife and Drums - A Portrait of Minna CurtisVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits, Album I: 3. An Old Song - A Portrait of Carrie StettheimerVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits, Album I: 4. Tango Lullaby - A Portrait of Mlle. Alvarez de ToledoVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits, Album I: 5. Solitude - A Portrait of Lou HarrisonVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits, Album I: 6. Barcarolle - A Portrait of Georges HugnetVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits, Album I: 7. Fugue - A Portrait of Alexander SmallensVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits, Album I: 8. Alternations - A Portrait of Maurice GrosserVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Piano Sonata No. 2: I. CantabileVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Piano Sonata No. 2: II. SostenutoVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Piano Sonata No. 2: III. Leggiero et brillianteVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits for Piano Solo, Album Three: 1. Cantabile - A Portrait of Nicolas de ChatelainVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits for Piano Solo, Album Three: 2. Toccata - A Portrait of Mary WidneyVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits for Piano Solo, Album Three: 3. Pastoral - A Portrait of Jean OzenneVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits for Piano Solo, Album Three: 4. Prelude and Fugue - A Portrait of Miss Agnes RindgeVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits for Piano Solo, Album Three: 5. The Dream World of Peter Rose-PulhamVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits for Piano Solo, Album Three: 6. The Bard - A Portrait of Sherry ManganVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits for Piano Solo, Album Three: 7. Souvenir - A Portrait of Paul BowlesVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe
Portraits for Piano Solo, Album Three: 8. Canons With Cadenza - A Portrait of André OstierVirgil Thomson, Nigel Coxe