Virgil Thomson

Virgil Thomson was an influential American composer and critic, born on November 25, 1896, in Kansas City, Missouri. A pioneering figure in 20th-century American music, Thomson was known for blending classical traditions with distinctly American themes and vernacular. He studied at Harvard and later in Paris, where he was part of the artistic circle that included Gertrude Stein, whose avant-garde writing would become a key influence on his musical style.

Thomson’s collaboration with Stein resulted in the groundbreaking opera Four Saints in Three Acts(1934), a work noted not only for its experimental libretto but also for its all-Black cast—an innovative and controversial choice for its time. The opera established Thomson as a bold new voice in American composition, unafraid to challenge musical and cultural conventions.

His music was often characterized by clarity, wit, and a simplicity that belied its sophistication. He was also a master of musical portraiture, composing pieces that captured the personalities of friends and public figures with striking precision. Thomson’s other major works include The Mother of Us All (1947), another collaboration with Stein, and scores for documentary films such as The River and Louisiana Story.

Beyond composition, Thomson was a formidable music critic, writing for the New York Herald Tribune from 1940 to 1954. His critiques were known for their sharp wit and unflinching honesty, and he played a significant role in shaping American musical taste during the mid-20th century.

Virgil Thomson passed away on September 30, 1989, in New York City. His legacy endures not only through his compositions and writings but also through his fearless approach to making music that was both modern and deeply American.