Transcript Samuel Barber

SAMUEL BARBER
March 9, 1910 – January 23, 1981
Benjamin Illu
MUSIC 1010-013
© G. Schirmer Archives
BIOGRAPHY
Born into a middle class Irish-American family, and
flourished with musical singers and a composer in
his family.
Even at a young age Samuel had musical talent,
ability and interest; started piano at age 6.
Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia
BIO. CONTINUED
In his twenties is when his music started to be
noted and performed by famous artist; Vladimir
Horowitz, Francis Poulenc.
Severed in WWII in the Army Air Corps after
which, he wrote his 2nd symphony.
Kept writing music until dying at age 70; in his birth
place of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
MUSIC
Wrote Melodist music, many, if not all of his
musical pieces contained a memorable theme.
He wrote with Romantic structure/virtue, but
created complex and dissonant melodies.
Composed Orchestral, Opera, Piano and Choral
music.
Most renowned piece, Adagio for Strings Op.11.
COMPOSER
 Composed music identical to J.S. Bach and Johannes Brahms; with the
indication of creating emotional music.
 One of the few composer of the 20th century to make his living through
composition.
 As for my own music, I've never written a book about it. I'm not pedagogical...
When I write an abstract piano sonata or a concerto, I write what I feel. I'm
not a self-conscious composer. I think that what's been holding composers
back a great deal is that they feel they must have a new style every year.This,
in my case, would be hopeless. In fact, it is said that I have no style at all but
that doesn't matter. I just go on doing, as they say, my thing. I believe this takes
a certain courage.—Barber, New York Times (October 3, 1971)
ADAGIO FOR STRINGS
 String Quartet Op.11, 2nd Movement.
 Slow, Sonata-Allegro form.
 Starts with a soft violin, then low strings slowly enter as the
violins play the melody.
 A cyclic piece, a notable recurrence of the theme.
 Absolute music, creates emotions without any other
associations.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KylMqxLzNGo
VIOLIN CONCERTO OP.14
 1st movement, Allegro form.
 Violin is the solo instrument, accompanied by a full
orchestra.
 Rich and colorful Violin solo parts; with a little of Cadenza,
 Memorable/elegant theme.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oXKuXdmzcw
REFERENCES
 Heyman, Barbra. Samuel Barber: The Composer and His Music.
New York, New York: Oxford University Press Inc., 1992. Print.
 Schwartz, Steve. "Samuel Barber." Classical Net. Classical Net.
Web. 1 Dec 2012.
<http://www.classical.net/music/comp.lst/barber.php>.
 Wittke, Paul. "Samuel Barber: An Improvisatory Portrait.." Samuel
Barber: An Improvisatory Portrait.. n. page. Web. 20 Nov. 2012.
<http://www.schirmer.com/default.aspx?tabid=2419&state_2872=
2&composerid_2872=72>.