"Nothing Divine is Mundane" is a captivating neoclassical album composed by the renowned Virgil Thomson, released on December 1, 1997, under Albany Records. This album is a testament to Thomson's musical prowess, featuring a diverse collection of 25 tracks that span a little over an hour. The album showcases a blend of Thomson's original compositions and settings of poems by William Blake, Thomas Campion, and Marianne Moore, demonstrating his versatility and depth as a composer.
The album features the exceptional vocal talents of soprano Dora Ohrenstein, accompanied by the Cassat Quartet, with Muneko Otani and Jennifer Leshnower on violins, and Michiko Oshima on viola. The instrumentation and vocal performances come together to create a rich and immersive soundscape that highlights the intricate details of Thomson's compositions.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Stabat Mater" to the evocative settings of William Blake's poetry, including "The Divine Image" and "Tiger! Tiger!", the album offers a journey through a variety of musical landscapes. The songs from "Mostly About Love" and "Tres Estampas de Niñez" add a touch of intimacy and personal reflection, while the settings of Thomas Campion's poems bring a Renaissance charm to the collection.
"Nothing Divine is Mundane" is a celebration of Virgil Thomson's artistic vision, offering a profound and engaging listening experience that showcases his unique contribution to the neoclassical genre. Whether you are a longtime fan of Thomson's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2006 Albany Records(P) 2006 Albany Records
Tracks
PreciosillaVirgil Thomson, Dora Ohrenstein, Phillip Bush
Susie AsadoVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
La Belle en Dormant: Pour chercher sur la carte des mersVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
La Belle en Dormant: La première de toutesVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
La Belle en Dormant: Mon amour est bon à direVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
La Belle en Dormant: Partis les vaisseauxVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
Stabat MaterVirgil Thomson, Dora Ohrenstein, Cassat Quartet
Five Songs from William Blake: The Divine ImageVirgil Thomson, William Sharp, Phillip Bush
Five Songs from William Blake: Tiger! Tiger!Virgil Thomson, William Sharp, Phillip Bush
Five Songs from William Blake: The Land of DreamsVirgil Thomson, William Sharp, Phillip Bush
Five Songs from William Blake: The Little Black BoyVirgil Thomson, William Sharp, Phillip Bush
Five Songs from William Blake: And did those feetVirgil Thomson, William Sharp, Phillip Bush
Four Songs to poems of Thomas Campion: Follow Your SaintVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
Four Songs to poems of Thomas Campion: There is a Garden in Her FaceVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
Four Songs to poems of Thomas Campion: Rose Cheek's Laura, ComeVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
Four Songs to poems of Thomas Campion: Follow Thy Fair SunVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
Mostly About Love: Love SongVirgil Thomson, Dora Ohrenstein, Phillip Bush
Mostly About Love: Down at the DocksVirgil Thomson, Dora Ohrenstein, Phillip Bush
Mostly About Love: Let's Take a WalkVirgil Thomson, Dora Ohrenstein, Phillip Bush
Mostly About Love: A Prayer to Saint CatherineVirgil Thomson, Dora Ohrenstein, Phillip Bush
Tres Estampas de Niñez: Todas las HorasVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
Tres Estampas de Niñez: Son Amigos de TodosVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
Tres Estampas de Niñez: Nadie lo Oye como EllosVirgil Thomson, Glenn Siebert, Phillip Bush
Two by Marianne Moore: English UsageVirgil Thomson, William Sharp, Phillip Bush
Two by Marianne Moore: My Crow PlutoVirgil Thomson, William Sharp, Phillip Bush
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