Composer

:

Virgil Thomson

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1922

Average_duration

:

2:37

Tribulationes civitatum is a composition by Virgil Thomson, an American composer, and music critic. The piece was composed in 1936 and premiered on March 10, 1937, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Serge Koussevitzky. The composition is divided into three movements, each depicting the struggles and tribulations of a different city. The first movement, "New York," is a lively and energetic portrayal of the bustling city. The music is characterized by fast-paced rhythms and dissonant harmonies, reflecting the chaos and excitement of the city. The second movement, "Paris," is a more subdued and melancholic piece, reflecting the city's history of political turmoil and social unrest. The music is characterized by slow, mournful melodies and somber harmonies. The final movement, "Moscow," is a dramatic and intense piece, reflecting the city's history of revolution and political upheaval. The music is characterized by powerful, driving rhythms and bold, dissonant harmonies. The movement builds to a climactic finale, with the orchestra reaching a frenzied crescendo before coming to a sudden, abrupt halt. Overall, Tribulationes civitatum is a powerful and evocative composition, showcasing Thomson's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of different cities through music. The piece remains a popular and influential work in the classical music canon, and is often performed by orchestras around the world.

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