Virgil Thomson (1896-1989) was born in Kansas City, Missouri. There he studied organ, after which he attended Harvard University. Subsequent to his graduation, he traveled to Paris, where he studied with Nadia Boulanger. He then settled in Paris, where he lived from 1925 to 1940 before returning to the United States. He is often credited, along with Aaron Copland, with having pioneered the so-called American sound. He composed two string quartets, both in 1931, while he was in France. He was influenced by several of the composers known as Les Six, including Germaine Tailleferre, Darius Milhaud, and Francis Poulenc.
His String Quartet No.2 was completed while he was living in Villefranche-sur-Mer near Nice. It is written in the neoclassical style, then in vogue among musicians living in Paris, like Stravinsky, among others. It is straightforward, at times lyrical and very melodic, and at other times bold and thrusting and tonally jarring. The opening Allegro moderato is lively and full of forward-driving energy. The lovely Tempo di valzer, which comes next, is lighter, a modern take on the waltz. This is followed by a very expressive Adagio sostenuto. The finale is an upbeat, almost dance-like Allegretto.
