Virgil Thomson's "Portraits" is a captivating exploration of neoclassical composition, released on New World Records in 1993. This album is a testament to Thomson's unique ability to capture the essence of individuals through music, as evidenced by the three distinct portrait suites that make up the majority of the album. Each piece is a musical sketch, painting a vivid picture of its subject, from the intimate "Nine Portraits for piano" to the more expansive "Seventeen Portraits for piano."
The album also features the intriguing "Parson Weems and the Cherry Tree," a multi-movement work that tells a story through music, and "Five 2-Part Inventions," a series of duets that showcase Thomson's playful side. With a total runtime of just under an hour, "Portraits" offers a concise yet comprehensive journey through Thomson's musical world. Whether you're a longtime fan of neoclassical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album is a compelling introduction to the work of Virgil Thomson.
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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