Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1942

Publication Date

:

2010

Average_duration

:

01:16

"Who Carries Corn and Crown" is a choral work composed by Samuel Barber in 1968. The piece was commissioned by the University of Illinois to celebrate its centennial anniversary. It premiered on October 26, 1968, at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana, Illinois, with the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Margaret Hillis. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, "The Corn," is a lively and rhythmic setting of a poem by Carl Sandburg. The music is marked by syncopated rhythms and driving percussion, evoking the energy and vitality of the American Midwest. The second movement, "The Crown," is a more contemplative setting of a poem by James Agee. The music is marked by lush harmonies and soaring melodies, reflecting the grandeur and majesty of the American landscape. The final movement, "The People," is a setting of a poem by Stephen Vincent Benet. The music is marked by a sense of celebration and triumph, with the choir and orchestra joining together in a powerful and joyful expression of community and unity. Overall, "Who Carries Corn and Crown" is a vibrant and dynamic work that showcases Barber's skill as a composer of choral music. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and evocative use of text, making it a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

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