Composer

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Mason Bates

Genre

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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6:37

'White Lies for Lomax' is a contemporary classical composition by American composer Mason Bates. The piece was composed in 2007 and premiered on March 1, 2008, by the San Francisco Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, titled "Lomax's Blues," is a slow and mournful piece that features a solo trumpet and a haunting melody. The second movement, "Lomax's Jive," is a lively and upbeat piece that features a jazz-inspired rhythm and a playful melody. The final movement, "Lomax's Legacy," is a grand and majestic piece that features a full orchestra and a soaring melody. The piece is inspired by the life and work of Alan Lomax, a pioneering musicologist who traveled the world in the mid-20th century to record and preserve traditional folk music. Bates was particularly drawn to Lomax's use of "white lies" to gain the trust of the musicians he recorded, and the piece reflects this theme through its use of musical deception and manipulation. Overall, 'White Lies for Lomax' is a powerful and evocative composition that showcases Bates' skill as a composer and his ability to blend different musical styles and traditions. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a popular piece in the contemporary classical repertoire.

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