Search - Virgil Thomson, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra :: Virgil Thomson: Louisiana Story; The Plow that Broke the Plains

Truly Beautiful Americana

Peggy Stone | San Diego, CA USA | 04/07/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The four stars are only because the dynamic range seems a bit off - I had to crank up my sound system to double its usual setting to really enjoy this (and then a few crashing chords were through the roof). However, this was a "must own" for me if only for the first section from "Louisiana Story," which is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever... it makes me shut my eyes and smile for pure bliss. A friend made a tape of it for me years ago, and I had never forgotten it. Recently, I finally put "Louisiana Story" on my NetFlix queue and could hardly send it back for the photography/music of the opening sequence. The CD recording isn't quite the same, but it's only off by a little (and has the advantage of not being interrupted by the film's narrative), but then, this is a suite, and not a soundtrack. The other works are also compelling, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear a theme I had always loved in Copeland's "Rodeo," assuming the tune to be original with him. Especially considering the low price, this is a great addition to your musical library."