Virgil Thomson Livres

The edition features a collaboration with Everbest Media, linked to the Virgil Thomson Foundation, Ltd., highlighting its significance in preserving and promoting the works of the renowned composer.

The book offers a captivating exploration of the Golden Age of classical music in America through the insightful reviews of Virgil Thomson, a prominent critic-composer. Over fourteen years at the New York Herald Tribune, Thomson adeptly articulated the nuances of opera and classical music, blending humor with authority. This collection includes his four published volumes and uncollected writings, chronicling a vibrant era featuring iconic conductors and performers, while celebrating both new compositions and classical masterpieces that captivated American audiences.

This collection features five religious songs that showcase Thompson's exceptional ability to align music with text, creating a joyful listening experience. The songs draw from various religious texts, including "Before Sleeping," "From the Canticle of the Sun," "Jerusalem, My Happy Home," "My Master Hath a Garden," and "Sung by the Shepherds." This set highlights the beauty and diversity of spiritual themes through Thompson's musical interpretation.

This collection showcases the polemical and autobiographical writings of Virgil Thomson, a pivotal figure in American music criticism. It features his influential work "The State of Music," which critiques the challenges faced by American composers. Thomson's autobiography offers a vibrant account of his life and the cultural landscape of the 20th century, featuring notable figures like Aaron Copland and Gertrude Stein. Additionally, the volume includes essays on significant American composers and Thomson's insights on setting English to music, alongside previously uncollected journalism.

Virgil Thomson's collection showcases his innovative blend of Americana and abstract poetry through songs composed between 1926 and 1974. This compilation features a diverse range of works, including operatic pieces, love songs, and settings of Shakespearean texts. Notable selections include "Le Berceau de Gertrude Stein," "The Courtship of the Yongly Bongly Bo," and "Shakespeare Songs." Thomson's unique approach transforms traditional forms, making this collection a significant contribution to American music and a testament to his creative legacy.