An analysis of Samuel Barber's Reincarnations

Samuel Barber (1910-1981) is probably best known for his instrumental compositions; Adagio for Strings, the Violin Concerto, the Piano Concerto, and the Piano Sonata 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 Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and the Hermit Songs. His a cappella choral work Reincarnations, 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.