About Virgil Thomson

Virgil Thomson (November 25, 1896 - September 30, 1989) was an American composer from Kansas City, Missouri who was instrumental in the develoment of the "American Sound" in classical music so often associated with the patriotic compositions of Aaron Copland. Thomson displayed an extraordinary intelligence at an early age. As a child, he befriended Alice Smith, granddaughter of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon faith.