Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Virgil Thomson's "Vocal and Chamber Works," a neoclassical gem released in 2005 under the Naxos label. This album, spanning 50 minutes, is a testament to Thomson's unique compositional style and his ability to blend vocal and instrumental elements seamlessly.
The album opens with "Synthetic Waltzes," a delightful suite that showcases Thomson's knack for creating engaging, dance-inspired melodies. Following this, the album presents four songs arranged for tenor and piano, based on poems by Thomas Campion. These songs, "Follow your saint," "There is a garden in her face," "Rose cheek'd Laura, come!," and "Follow thy fair sun," are a highlight of the album, demonstrating Thomson's skill in setting poetry to music.
The "Violin Sonata" is another standout piece, featuring four movements that range from the lively "Allegro" to the introspective "Andante nobile." This sonata is a showcase for the violin, with Thomson's intricate melodies and harmonies highlighting the instrument's expressive capabilities.
The album also includes settings of poems by Marianne Moore, "English Usage" and "My Crow Pluto," which showcase Thomson's ability to capture the essence of modernist poetry in his music. The final section of the album, "Praises and Prayers," features settings of texts by various authors, including St. Francis of Assisi and Richard Crashaw. These pieces are a testament to Thomson's ability to create deeply spiritual and moving music.
Throughout the album, Thomson's neoclassical style is evident, with its clear structures, tonal harmonies, and engaging melodies. This album is a must-listen for fans of neoclassical music and anyone interested in exploring the works of one of America's most important 20th-century composers.
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