Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
An analysis of Samuel Barber's Reincarnations979 views
Author
Birch, Courtney Ann, Music, University of Virginia
Advisors
Loach, Donald, Music, University of Virginia
Abstract
Samuel Barber (1910-1981) is probably best known for his instrumental compositions; <u>Adagio for Strings</u>, the <u>Violin Concerto</u>, the <u>Piano Concerto</u>, and the <u>Piano Sonata</u> are considered to be among the most beautiful and innovative works by an American composer. However, Barber was also a talented and respected composer for voices, with such pieces as <u>Knoxville: Summer of 1915</u> and the <u>Hermit Songs</u>. His a cappella choral work <u>Reincarnations</u>, Op. 16 is less well known, but is deserving of in-depth attention. Written between 1936 and 1940, it is a setting of three poems from Irish poet James Stephens' collection of the same name. The composition provides an opportunity to see how Barber's distinctive musical language appropriately and comprehensively reflects Stephens' poetic ideas.
Degree
MA (Master of Arts)
Keywords
Barber, Samuel -- 1910-1981 -- Reincarnations
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Birch, Courtney Ann. An analysis of Samuel Barber's Reincarnations. University of Virginia, Music, MA (Master of Arts), 1991-01-01, https://doi.org/10.18130/9e70-xv32.
