"The way to write American music is simple. All you have to do is be an American and then write any kind of music you wish."

 So spoke one of the most fascinating artistic figures of the 20th Century, the composer Virgil Thomson.  From his early life as a child of the American south, through his storied artistic community in 1920's Paris, to being the toast of the town as head Classical Music critic for the New York Herald Tribune, Thomson was always surrounded by and consumed with musical craft.  Hear his unique voice brought to life through his remarkable song output, alongside readings from his essays, correspondences and diaries.

Aaron Engebreth, baritone
Clara Osowski, mezzo-soprano
Mark Bilyeu, piano
Alison d'Amato, piano