Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Virgil Thomson's "Louisiana Story & Other Film Music," a neoclassical masterpiece released in 1992 on the Hyperion label. This album is a testament to Thomson's genius, blending his unique compositional style with the evocative power of film music.
The album is divided into three main suites, each telling a distinct story through music. The first suite, "The Plow That Broke the Plains," is a poignant exploration of the Dust Bowl era, with movements that range from the serene "Prelude. Prologue" to the haunting "Blues" and the devastating "Drought."
The second suite, "Louisiana Story," is inspired by the 1948 documentary film of the same name. It paints a vivid musical portrait of the bayou, from the pastoral "The Bayou and the Marsh Buggy" to the thrilling "Fugue. Boy Fights Alligator." The suite also includes a collection of Acadian Songs and Dances, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The final suite, "Power Among Men," is a powerful exploration of human struggle and triumph. It features a series of fugues and cantilenas, culminating in the triumphant "Finale."
With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a journey through Thomson's musical landscape, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a fan of neoclassical music or simply looking to explore something new, "Louisiana Story & Other Film Music" is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
The Plow That Broke the Plains – Suite: I. Prelude. PrologueVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Plow That Broke the Plains – Suite: II. Grass. PastoraleVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Plow That Broke the Plains – Suite: III. CattleVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Plow That Broke the Plains – Suite: IV. BluesVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Plow That Broke the Plains – Suite: V. DroughtVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Plow That Broke the Plains – Suite: VI. DevastationVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Suite: I. Pastoral. The Bayou and the Marsh BuggyVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Suite: II. Chorale. The Derrick ArrivesVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Suite: III. Passacaglia. Robbing the Alligator's NestVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Suite: IV. Fugue. Boy Fights AlligatorVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Acadian Songs and Dances: I. SadnessVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Acadian Songs and Dances: II. Papa's TuneVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Acadian Songs and Dances: III. A NarrativeVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Acadian Songs and Dances: IV. The Alligator and the 'CoonVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Acadian Songs and Dances: V. Super-SadnessVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Acadian Songs and Dances: VI. Walking SongVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Louisiana Story – Acadian Songs and Dances: VII. The Squeeze BoxVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Power Among Men – Fugues and Cantilenas: I. Prelude with Fugal ExpositionVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Power Among Men – Fugues and Cantilenas: II. Fugue No. 1Virgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Power Among Men – Fugues and Cantilenas: III. Ruins and JunglesVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Power Among Men – Fugues and Cantilenas: IV. Fugue No. 2Virgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Power Among Men – Fugues and Cantilenas: V. Joyous PastoraleVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
Power Among Men – Fugues and Cantilenas: VI. FinaleVirgil Thomson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
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