Virgil Thomson: The State of Music & Other Writings (Loa #277)

This collection showcases the polemical and autobiographical writings of Virgil Thomson, a pivotal figure in American music criticism. It features his influential work "The State of Music," which critiques the challenges faced by American composers. Thomson's autobiography offers a vibrant account of his life and the cultural landscape of the 20th century, featuring notable figures like Aaron Copland and Gertrude Stein. Additionally, the volume includes essays on significant American composers and Thomson's insights on setting English to music, alongside previously uncollected journalism.