Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Collection

Compose Date

:

1936

Average_duration

:

7:41

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

'Songs (3), Op. 10' is a set of three art songs composed by Samuel Barber in 1935. The songs were premiered on January 10, 1936, in New York City, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. The three songs are titled "Rain has fallen," "Sleep now," and "I hear an army." The first song, "Rain has fallen," is a setting of a poem by James Joyce. The song is in ABA form, with the A section featuring a flowing melody that evokes the sound of rain falling. The B section is more contemplative, with the singer reflecting on the passing of time and the transience of life. The second song, "Sleep now," is a setting of a poem by W. H. Auden. The song is in ternary form, with the outer sections featuring a gentle, lullaby-like melody. The middle section is more dramatic, with the singer pleading with the listener to "let your grief be laid aside." The final song, "I hear an army," is a setting of a poem by James Joyce. The song is in rondo form, with a driving, rhythmic melody that evokes the sound of an army marching. The singer's voice rises and falls with the intensity of the music, as the poem describes the relentless advance of an army. Overall, the 'Songs (3), Op. 10' showcase Barber's skill as a composer of art songs. The melodies are lyrical and expressive, and the piano accompaniment is both supportive and virtuosic. The songs are also notable for their use of text painting, with the music evoking the imagery and emotions of the poems.

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