Dive into the intricate and captivating world of Virgil Thomson's chamber works with this comprehensive collection, "Thomson: Complete Chamber Works." Released on December 3, 2021, by Everbest Music and Media, this album is a landmark recording, featuring the first-ever compilation of Thomson's complete chamber works on a single album. With a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes, it spans 63 tracks distributed across two discs, offering a deep exploration of the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer's neoclassical style.
This album is a treasure trove for both longtime admirers and newcomers to Virgil Thomson's music. It includes three world premiere recordings, adding a layer of exclusivity and excitement. The compositions range from fanfares and sonatas to portraits and songs, each piece showcasing Thomson's unique voice and innovative approach to neoclassical music. Highlights include the whimsical "5 Ladies" series, the evocative "Family Portrait" suite, and the intricate "8 Portraits for Violin Alone," each offering a glimpse into Thomson's distinctive musical language.
The album features a stellar cast of performers, including Gil Rose as the artistic director, along with notable musicians such as Amy Advocat on clarinet and Kenneth Amis on tuba. Their interpretations bring Thomson's compositions to life, highlighting the composer's wit, elegance, and technical prowess.
Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or simply curious about the neoclassical genre, "Thomson: Complete Chamber Works" is an essential addition to your collection. It's a journey through the mind of a musical genius, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2021 Everbest Music and Media2021 Everbest Music and Media
Tracks
A Short Fanfare (Version for 3 Trumpets & Percussion)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
5 Ladies: No. 1, Cynthia KemperVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
5 Ladies: No. 2, Anne MiracleVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
5 Ladies: No. 3, Alice ToklasVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
5 Ladies: No. 4, Yvonne de Casa FuerteVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
5 Ladies: No. 5, Mary ReynoldsVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Stabat Mater (Version for Voice & String Quartet)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Family Portrait: I. A Fanfare (Robin Smith)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Family Portrait: II. At 14 (Annie Barnard)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Family Portrait: III. Digging (A Portrait of Howard Rea)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Family Portrait: IV. A Scherzo (Priscilla Rea)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Family Portrait: V. Man of Iron (Willy Eisenhart)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Sonata for Violin & Piano: I. AllegroVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Sonata for Violin & Piano: II. Andante nobileVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Sonata for Violin & Piano: III. Tempo di valzerVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Sonata for Violin & Piano: IV. AndanteVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Sonata da chiesa: I. ChoraleVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Sonata da chiesa: II. TangoVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Sonata da chiesa: III. FugueVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Lili HastingsVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
At the Beach (Version for Trumpet & Piano)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Le bains-bar (Verison for Violin & Piano)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
String Quartet No. 1: I. Allegro moderatoVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
String Quartet No. 1: II. AdagioVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
String Quartet No. 1: III. Tempo di valzerVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
String Quartet No. 1: IV. Lento - PrestoVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Stockton FanfareVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Sonata for Flute Alone: I. Adagio - AllegroVirgil Thomson, Sarah Brady
Sonata for Flute Alone: II. AdagioVirgil Thomson, Sarah Brady
Sonata for Flute Alone: III. VivaceVirgil Thomson, Sarah Brady
Jay Rozen: No. 1, PortraitVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
Jay Rozen: No. 2, FugueVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
8 Portraits for Violin Alone: No. 3, Georges Hugnet, Poet and Man of LettersVirgil Thomson, Charles Dimmick
8 Portraits for Violin Alone: No. 1, Señorita Juanita de Medina Accompanied by Her MotherVirgil Thomson, Charles Dimmick
8 Portraits for Violin Alone: No. 8, Ruth SmallensVirgil Thomson, Charles Dimmick
8 Portraits for Violin Alone: No. 4, Miss Gertrude Stein as a Young GirlVirgil Thomson, Charles Dimmick
8 Portraits for Violin Alone: No. 5, Cliquet-Pleyel in F MajorVirgil Thomson, Charles Dimmick
8 Portraits for Violin Alone: No. 2, Madame Marthe-MarthineVirgil Thomson, Charles Dimmick
8 Portraits for Violin Alone: No. 6, Mrs. Chester Whitin LasellVirgil Thomson, Charles Dimmick
8 Portraits for Violin Alone: No. 7, Sauguet, From LifeVirgil Thomson, Charles Dimmick
A Portrait of 2: I. Tempo comodoVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
A Portrait of 2: II. AndanteVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
A Portrait of 2: III. AlertVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
4 Songs to the Poems of Thomas Campion (Version for Voice, Clarinet, Viola & Harp): No. 1, Follow Your SaintVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
4 Songs to the Poems of Thomas Campion (Version for Voice, Clarinet, Viola & Harp): No. 2, There Is a Garden in Her FaceVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
4 Songs to the Poems of Thomas Campion (Version for Voice, Clarinet, Viola & Harp): No. 3, Rose-Cheek’d Laura, ComeVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
4 Songs to the Poems of Thomas Campion (Version for Voice, Clarinet, Viola & Harp): No. 4, Follow Thy Fair SunVirgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
5 Portraits: No. 1, Portrait of Ladies (A Conversation)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
5 Portraits: No. 2, Portrait of a Young Man in Good Health (Maurice Grosser with a Cold)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose
5 Portraits: No. 3, Christian Bérard (Prisoner)Virgil Thomson, Monadnock Music, Gil Rose