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- Samuel Barber
Adagio for Strings (for string orchestra) (1938)
- G Schirmer Inc (World)
- str
- 8 min
- 30th April 2024, Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, Germany
- 10th May 2024, The USI Performance Center at University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN, United States of America
Programme Note
Samuel Barber's musical potential was recognized at an early age and cultivated with lessons in piano, voice, and composition. These led to studies at the Curtis Institute, two subsequent years in Italy upon winning the 1935 Prix de Rome, and a steady succession of commissions, appointments, and awards.
While much of Barber's recognition stems from his works for voice, his most famous composition remains the Adagio for Strings, transcribed for string orchestra from the second movement of his String Quartet.
Premiered in 1938 by the NBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Arturo Toscanini, Adagio for Strings soon became Barber's most-performed piece. His characteristic melodic ease is shown in serene simplicity as the work progresses through almost reverent material to its lush, graceful climax.
While much of Barber's recognition stems from his works for voice, his most famous composition remains the Adagio for Strings, transcribed for string orchestra from the second movement of his String Quartet.
Premiered in 1938 by the NBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Arturo Toscanini, Adagio for Strings soon became Barber's most-performed piece. His characteristic melodic ease is shown in serene simplicity as the work progresses through almost reverent material to its lush, graceful climax.
Media
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11