Dive into the rich, neoclassical soundscape of Virgil Thomson's seminal work, "Four Saints in Three Acts," a masterful collaboration with the avant-garde writer Gertrude Stein. This 2016 release by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, conducted by Gil Rose, brings to life a piece that has left an indelible mark on the world of opera since its premiere in 1934.
"Four Saints in Three Acts" is a unique and captivating exploration of sound and narrative, featuring a libretto by Stein and a score by Thomson. The album spans nearly two hours, encompassing 25 tracks that delve into the intricate and often abstract storytelling that Stein is renowned for, set against Thomson's distinctive musical backdrop. The composition is scored for vocal soloists, choir, and orchestra, creating a rich tapestry of voices and instruments that bring the saints' stories to life.
The album's genesis dates back to the late 1920s, with Thomson composing the music between 1927 and 1928. The work received its first performance in Hartford, Connecticut, in February 1934, produced by the Friends and Enemies of Modern Music. This recording, released by BMOP/sound, offers a fresh perspective on a piece that has been rarely performed but is considered one of the most influential works in the neoclassical genre.
The tracklist is a journey through various acts and tableaux, each offering a unique glimpse into the saints' lives and the abstract narratives that Stein and Thomson crafted. From the "Prelude: A Narrative of Prepare for Saints" to the final "Capital Capitals," the album is a testament to the innovative spirit of its creators and the enduring power of their collaboration.
For fans of neoclassical music and those eager to explore the boundaries of traditional opera, "Four Saints in Three Acts" is an essential addition to any collection. The Boston Modern Orchestra Project's rendition, with its meticulous attention to detail and vibrant performances, brings new life to this historic work, making it a standout release in the genre.
Tracks
Four Saints in Three Acts: Prelude: A Narrative of Prepare for SaintsVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Charles Blandy, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act I: Tableau I "A Garden at Avila"Virgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Stanley Wilson, Aaron Engebreth, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act I: Tableau II "St. Teresa II With Dove"Virgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act I: Tableau III "St. Teresa II Seated"Virgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act I: Tableau IV "St. Ignatius Presents Flowers"Virgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act I: Tableau V "St. Ignatius Showing St. Teresa II the Model of a Heavenly Mansion"Virgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act I: Tableau VI "St. Teresa II in Ecstasy"Virgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act I: Tableau VII "St. Teresa II, with Halo"Virgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act I: Tableau VIII "No Pose"Virgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act II: Might it be MountainsVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act II: Dance of the AngelsVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Charles Blandy, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act II: GameVirgil Thomson, Deborah Selig, Aaron Engebreth, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act II: Love SceneVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Charles Blandy, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act II: Drinking SongVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Charles Blandy, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act II: Vision of a Heavenly MansionVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Charles Blandy, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act II: PantomimeVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Charles Blandy, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act III: BarcelonaVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Charles Blandy, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act III: Vision of Holy GhostVirgil Thomson, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Charles Blandy, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act III: BalletVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Charles Blandy, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act III: Saint Ignatius Predicts the Last JudgmentVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act III: Saintsβ ProcessionVirgil Thomson, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: IntermezzoVirgil Thomson, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose
Four Saints in Three Acts: Prologue to Act IVVirgil Thomson, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Four Saints in Three Acts: Act IV: The Sisters and Saints ReassembledVirgil Thomson, Sarah Pelletier, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco, Aaron Engebreth, Lynn Torgove, Tom McNichols, Deborah Selig, Charles Blandy, Stanley Wilson, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Capital CapitalsVirgil Thomson, Charles Blandy, Sumner Thompson, Andrew Garland, Simon Dyer, Linda Osborn, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
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