Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Virgil Thomson's 1954 masterpiece, "Thomson: 3 Pictures for Orchestra & 5 Songs from William Blake." This neoclassical gem, reissued by Sony Classical, offers a captivating blend of orchestral and vocal compositions that showcase Thomson's distinctive style and profound artistic vision.
The album opens with three evocative orchestral pieces, each painting a vivid sonic landscape. "The Seine At Night," "Wheat Field At Noon," and "Sea Piece With Birds" transport you to serene and picturesque scenes, demonstrating Thomson's mastery of orchestration and his ability to convey mood and atmosphere through music.
The second half of the album features five songs inspired by the poetry of William Blake. Thomson's settings of Blake's verses, including "The Divine Image," "Tiger! Tiger!," and "And Did Those Feet," are both lyrical and dramatic, bringing the poet's words to life with exquisite musical storytelling.
Originally released in 1954, this remastered edition allows new and longtime admirers of Thomson's work to experience these pieces with renewed clarity and depth. The album's concise duration of 34 minutes makes it an ideal introduction to Thomson's neoclassical style, while its rich musical content ensures a rewarding listening experience for classical music enthusiasts.