Composer

:

Virgil Thomson

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1948

Average_duration

:

19:58

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Louisiana Story is a symphonic suite composed by Virgil Thomson in 1948. It was commissioned by the film director Robert Flaherty for his documentary film of the same name. The film and the music were both premiered on March 28, 1948, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The suite consists of six movements, each of which represents a different aspect of life in the Louisiana bayou. The first movement, "The Bayou," is a slow and atmospheric piece that sets the scene for the rest of the suite. It features a solo clarinet and a muted trumpet, which evoke the sounds of the swamp. The second movement, "The Hunters," is a lively and rhythmic piece that represents the excitement of a hunting expedition. It features a prominent snare drum and a solo trumpet, which imitates the call of a hunting horn. The third movement, "The Fishermen," is a gentle and flowing piece that represents the peacefulness of fishing in the bayou. It features a solo flute and a solo cello, which play a duet that represents the movement of the water. The fourth movement, "The Oil Rig," is a dramatic and intense piece that represents the danger and excitement of drilling for oil in the bayou. It features a prominent timpani and a solo trumpet, which represents the sound of the oil rig. The fifth movement, "The Flood," is a dark and ominous piece that represents the destructive power of the bayou during a flood. It features a prominent bass drum and a solo trombone, which represents the sound of the floodwaters. The final movement, "The Cajuns," is a lively and celebratory piece that represents the culture and traditions of the Cajun people who live in the bayou. It features a prominent accordion and a solo clarinet, which represents the sound of a Cajun fiddle. Overall, Louisiana Story is a beautiful and evocative suite that captures the essence of life in the Louisiana bayou. It is a testament to Virgil Thomson's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both descriptive and emotional.

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