Virgil Thomson Quotes

Powerful Virgil Thomson for Daily Growth

About Virgil Thomson

Virgil Thomson (July 25, 1896 – September 30, 1989) was a renowned American composer, music critic, and essayist who played a pivotal role in the modernization of American classical music. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Thomson displayed an early passion for music, beginning piano lessons at age eight. He continued his musical education at Harvard University and later studied at the Schola Cantorum in Paris under the tutelage of Nadia Boulanger, a highly influential composer and pedagogue. In 1925, Thomson co-founded the American Composers' Alliance with Aaron Copland, advocating for the performance and recognition of contemporary American compositions. His first major work, "Symphony on a Hymn Tune" (1930), marked his commitment to incorporating American themes into his compositions. In 1940, Thomson collaborated with Gertrude Stein on the groundbreaking opera "Four Saints in Three Acts," which showcased his innovative approach to blending music and spoken text. Thomson was also a prolific music critic for The New York Herald Tribune from 1940 to 1967, where he wrote insightful reviews and essays that significantly shaped the public's perception of modern music. His major works include "The Mother of Us All" (1947), an opera based on the life of Susan B. Anthony, and "The Wedding of Figaro" (1953), a contemporary reimagining of Mozart's classic opera. Throughout his career, Thomson was a tireless advocate for American music, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. His contributions to the field have left an indelible mark on classical music, inspiring generations of composers who followed in his footsteps.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Good music is hard to make and easy to overpraise."

This quote by Virgil Thomson signifies that creating good music requires a great deal of effort, skill, and artistry, yet it can often be praised excessively or without proper critical analysis due to its emotional impact. In essence, he is highlighting the difficulty in making genuine, high-quality music and warning against careless or excessive praise, emphasizing the need for discernment in evaluating musical works.

"The first duty of a composer is to be as little in the way of the singers and players as possible."

This quote by Virgil Thomson emphasizes that a composer's primary responsibility lies in creating music that supports and enhances the capabilities of singers and musicians, rather than imposing unnecessary technical challenges or complexities upon them. In essence, he advocates for a compositional approach that respects and empowers the performer, allowing their artistic expression to shine through.

"Music is the literature of the illiterate."

Virgil Thomson's quote suggests that music serves as a means of expression for individuals who are unable to communicate through traditional written or spoken language, making it a form of literature for these people. In other words, much like literature allows us to express emotions, ideas, and stories, music does the same, but specifically for those who may not have the ability to use words.

"To compose is to create an illusion of brilliance, and to conceal one's mediocrity."

Virgil Thomson's quote suggests that composing music or creating any art form involves crafting an impression of great talent, while simultaneously hiding areas of lesser skill. It implies that artists, in their quest to produce something remarkable, often strive to mask their limitations by meticulously designing an illusion of excellence. This interpretation underscores the delicate balance between artistic ambition and human fallibility.

"The greatest challenge of composition is to make a first-rate piece out of second-rate material."

Virgil Thomson's quote emphasizes the artist's ability to elevate ordinary or limited resources (the "second-rate material") into exceptional works ("a first-rate piece"). It suggests that great composers have the skill, creativity, and vision to transform average elements into extraordinary art. This perspective encourages artists to be resourceful, innovative, and persistent in their craft.

I've never known a musician who regretted being one. Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.

- Virgil Thomson

Going, May, Being, Regretted

In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise.

- Virgil Thomson

Paris, Wit, Poise, Florence

Musicians own music because music owns them.

- Virgil Thomson

Music, Musicians, Own, Owns

Reviewing music or reviewing anything is a writing job. It's nice if you are experienced in the field you are writing about, but writing is what you are doing.

- Virgil Thomson

Doing, About, Reviewing, Experienced

I never learned to verbalize an abstract musical concept. No thank you. The whole point of being a serious musician is to avoid verbalization whenever you can.

- Virgil Thomson

Concept, Musical, Learned, Abstract

I said to my friends that if I was going to starve, I might as well starve where the food is good.

- Virgil Thomson

Food, Going, Might, Starve

Try a thing you haven't done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.

- Virgil Thomson

Doing, Over, Figure, Third

I don't go around regretting things that don't happen.

- Virgil Thomson

Go, Happen, Things, Regretting

I don't care what other critics say, I only hope to be played.

- Virgil Thomson

Say, Other, Only, Critics

You explain how it went, and as far as you can figure out how it got that way.

- Virgil Thomson

How, Far, Figure, Explain

I look at you and I write down what I hear.

- Virgil Thomson

Look, Write, I Write, Music

Let your mind alone, and see what happens.

- Virgil Thomson

Mind, See, Your, Alone

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