Virgil Thomson
Virgil Thomson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Virgil Thomson was an American composer and music critic.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 25, 1896, in Kansas City, Missouri; died on September 30, 1989, in New York City.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American. Composer and music critic.
Early Life and Background
Virgil Thomson was born into a wealthy family that valued art and literature. His parents encouraged his musical interests from an early age. He began composing at the age of ten and went on to study at Harvard University, where he developed a strong affinity for French music and culture.
Thomson's exposure to European modernism during his studies had a profound impact on his compositional style. He was particularly drawn to the works of Erik Satie and Maurice Ravel, which influenced his own approach to harmony and rhythm.
Major Accomplishments
Virgil Thomson's career as a composer spanned over five decades, yielding numerous critically acclaimed works. Some notable achievements include:
His setting of Langston Hughes' poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" (1932), which showcased his ability to capture the essence of African-American culture through music.
"The Plow That Broke the Plains" (1936) and "The River," two documentary films for which he composed the scores, demonstrating his versatility in film music.
Thomson's opera "Four Saints in Three Acts" (1928), a groundbreaking collaboration with playwright Gertrude Stein, marked a significant departure from traditional opera forms.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works include:
"The Mother of Us All" (1947), an opera based on the life of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, which Thomson described as "the first feminist opera."
Thomson's settings of Emily Dickinson's poetry, showcasing his skill in adapting the poet's unique voice to music.
His compositions for solo piano and chamber ensembles, such as "Sonatina" (1928), demonstrating his mastery of classical forms.
Impact and Legacy
Virgil Thomson's impact on American music was profound. His work bridged the gap between traditional European composition and modernist experimentation, paving the way for future generations of composers.
Thomson's commitment to social justice and his advocacy for African-American culture helped raise awareness about issues of racism and inequality through his art.
His legacy extends beyond his own compositions; he played a pivotal role in shaping American musical identity during the mid-20th century.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Virgil Thomson is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Prolific output, which encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, from opera and chamber music to film scores and solo piano works.
Innovative approach to composition, which blended classical forms with modernist experimentation and social commentary.
Commitment to social justice and advocacy for underrepresented voices, making him a pioneering figure in American musical history.
Quotes by Virgil Thomson
I listened to the pure crystalline notes of one of Mozart’s concertos dropping at my feet like leaves from the trees.
Reviewing music or reviewing anything is a writing job. It’s nice if you are experienced in the field you are writing about, but writing is what you are doing.
The description and explanation is the best part of music reviewing. There is such a thing, and you know it too, as a gift for judgment. If you have it, you can say anything you like. If you haven’t got it, you don’t know you haven’t got it.
Every composer’s music reflects in its subject-matter and in its style the source of the money the composer is living on while writing the music.
Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.
I’ve never known a musician who regretted being one. Music itself is not going to let you down.
I seem to write an opera about every 20 years; if you live long enough you can write four operas. I finished my third in 1970.
I listened to the pure crystalline notes of one of Mozart's concertos dropping at my feet like leaves from the trees.