Samuel Barber’s “Dover Beach” is a song for baritone and string quartet that sets one of the grimmest poems of World War I. Despite being written before World War II, it seems like an attempt to warn. Barber, who sang this piece himself, was a well-trained singer. It is a marvel of lyricism with an almost miraculous appropriateness.
Samuel Barber
classical | vocal | Samuel | Barber | Matthew | Arnold | dover | beach | Fischer-Dieskau | string | quartet
Samuel Barber’s “Dover Beach” is a song for baritone and string quartet that sets one of the grimmest poems of World War I. Despite being written before World War II, it seems like an attempt to warn. Barber, who sang this piece himself, was a well-trained singer. It is a marvel of lyricism with an almost miraculous appropriateness.
Samuel Barber
About the composer…
Barber’s musical career was marked by numerous accolades and achievements. He won two Pulitzer Prizes for his compositions, the first in 1958 for his opera “Vanessa” and the second in 1963 for his piano concerto. His works were widely performed and admired, earning him a reputation as one of the leading composers of his time.
Barber’s compositions were diverse and showcased his mastery of various genres. His most famous work is perhaps “Adagio for Strings,” a deeply emotional and hauntingly beautiful piece that has become a staple of classical music repertoire. Other notable works include his violin concerto, symphonies, and vocal compositions.
Samuel Barber’s impact on classical music continues to be felt today. His compositions are regularly performed by orchestras around the world, and his legacy as a talented and innovative composer lives on. Barber’s ability to evoke deep emotions through his music and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical composition have left an indelible mark on the genre.