Virgil Thomson

The text for this opera, performed by the Santa Fe Opera, is again by Gertrude Stein, but the organization is somewhat more narrative with even semblances of a plot. The theme is the life and struggles of suffragette Susan B. Anthony: the weariness of leading a totally public life and the seemingly endless fight for rights -- deep reflections about the meaning of "family" and humanity versus laws. The musical writing is beautifully atmospheric. Much of Thomson's other writing is very lyrical and always with a sound of his own, but conventional in structure; however, if you love this opera try "Sonata da Chiesa" ("Church Sonata") (1926), the award-winning film scores for The River (1937), "The Plow That Broke the Plains" (1936), "Louisiana Story" (1948), and A Portrait Album (Elektra/Nonesuch D4-79024), which contains selections from Thomson's 147 musical portraits of friends -- a task similar to Stein's many portraits in writing. ~ "Blue" Gene Tyranny, All Music Guide