Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1927

Average_duration

:

1:02

"The Daisies, Op. 2/1" is a song composed by Samuel Barber, an American composer known for his lyrical and expressive style. The song was composed in 1926, when Barber was only 16 years old, and was premiered in 1938 by soprano Leontyne Price. "The Daisies" is the first of three songs in Barber's Opus 2, which also includes "With Rue My Heart is Laden" and "Bessie Bobtail." The song is set to a poem by James Stephens, an Irish poet known for his whimsical and playful style. The poem describes a field of daisies and the joy and beauty they bring to the speaker. The song is in the key of F major and is written for voice and piano. It is a simple and straightforward setting of the poem, with a gentle and flowing melody that captures the innocence and beauty of the daisies. The piano accompaniment is light and delicate, with arpeggiated chords and a gentle rhythm that supports the voice without overpowering it. The song is divided into two verses, each with its own melody and character. The first verse is marked "Andante con moto," or "moderately slow with motion," and has a lilting and playful quality that captures the joy and energy of the daisies. The second verse is marked "Poco più mosso," or "a little more motion," and has a more contemplative and introspective character, reflecting on the fleeting nature of beauty and the passing of time. Overall, "The Daisies" is a charming and delightful song that showcases Barber's gift for melody and his ability to capture the essence of a poem in music. Despite its simplicity, it is a beautiful and moving work that has become a beloved part of the vocal repertoire.

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