Virgil Thomson's "Portraits" is a captivating collection of neoclassical piano works, released in 1993 under the New World Records label. This album is a testament to Thomson's unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects through music, much like a visual artist would with a sketch. The album features a total of 43 tracks, divided into three main suites: "Nine Portraits for Piano," "Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree," and "Seventeen Portraits for Piano." Each piece is a musical portrait, composed in the presence of the subject, offering a glimpse into Thomson's distinctive compositional style and his keen observational skills. The album is performed by pianist Jacquelyn Helin, who brings these intricate portraits to life with her nuanced and expressive playing. With a duration of 59 minutes, "Portraits" is a compelling exploration of Thomson's musical artistry and his ability to translate the human experience into sound.
Tracks
Nine Portraits for piano: Madame Dubost chez elleVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Nine Portraits for piano: Russell Hitchcock, ReadingVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Nine Portraits for piano: Ettie StettheimerVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Nine Portraits for piano: Helen Austin at Home and AbroadVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Nine Portraits for piano: A French Boy of Ten - Louis LangeVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Nine Portraits for piano: Pastoral - A Portrait of Tristan TzaraVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Nine Portraits for piano: Awake or Asleep - Pierre MabilleVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Nine Portraits for piano: Prisoner of the Mind - Schuyler WattsVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Nine Portraits for piano: For Eugene Ormandy's Birthday, 18 November 1969 A Study in Stacked-Up ThirdsVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: I. The Parson Writes His BookVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: II. The Parson Instructs George & Martha in the Gentle Art of the DanceVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: III. The HatchetVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: IV. The Pitcher and the BucketVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: V. Rum is a DemonVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: VI. Martha's Secret LoveVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: VII. Molly Whips the Army into ShapeVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: VIII. Crossing the DelawareVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: IX. Hard Times at Valley ForgeVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: X. On to GloryVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: XI. Cavalry ManoeuversVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree: XII. Chopping the Tree and Winging to HeavenVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Five 2-Part Inventions: With marked rhythmVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Five 2-Part Inventions: FreelyVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Five 2-Part Inventions: FlowingVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Five 2-Part Inventions: RhythmicallyVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
Five 2-Part Inventions: FirmlyVirgil Thomson, Jacquelin Helin
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