Samuel Barber Essentials

Samuel Barber Essentials

Barber stuck steadfastly to a style of music in which he believed, despite criticism and negativity, but time proved him right and his Adagio (originally for string quartet) and Violin Concerto are now central repertoire works. Toscanini gave him his big break by premiering the Adagio and First Essay with the NBC orchestra. He was a sensitive song composer (his Knoxville: Summer of 1915 is exquisite) and a fine baritone himself. Antony and Cleopatra, written for the opening of the Met in 1966, was a disaster, largely due to the production. Explore the works of this justly popular modern composer.

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