Composer

:

Virgil Thomson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1927

Average_duration

:

17:01

'Capital Capitals' is a musical composition by Virgil Thomson, an American composer, and music critic. The piece was composed in 1935 and premiered on January 17, 1936, at the Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The composition is a suite of five movements, each representing a different capital city of the world. The first movement, 'Paris', is a lively and playful piece that captures the essence of the French capital. The music is characterized by its use of staccato rhythms and bright, colorful melodies. The second movement, 'London', is a more subdued piece that reflects the city's more reserved character. The music is slower and more contemplative, with a sense of melancholy that captures the city's rainy climate. The third movement, 'Rome', is a grand and majestic piece that captures the grandeur of the ancient city. The music is characterized by its use of bold, sweeping melodies and powerful rhythms. The fourth movement, 'Vienna', is a lively and energetic piece that captures the spirit of the Austrian capital. The music is characterized by its use of waltz rhythms and playful melodies. The final movement, 'New York', is a fast-paced and frenetic piece that captures the energy and excitement of the American metropolis. The music is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and jazzy melodies. Overall, 'Capital Capitals' is a vibrant and colorful composition that captures the unique character of each of the five cities it represents. Thomson's use of different musical styles and techniques helps to create a vivid musical portrait of each city, making the piece a true masterpiece of musical storytelling.

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