Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1926

Average_duration

:

01:54

"Ask Me to Rest" is a song composed by Samuel Barber, an American composer known for his lyrical and expressive style. The song was composed in 1940 and premiered on January 12, 1941, at the Town Hall in New York City. It is part of a larger song cycle titled "Despite and Still," which was composed for the American soprano, Leontyne Price. "Ask Me to Rest" is a slow and melancholic song that features a simple and repetitive melody. The song is in the key of F minor and is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The text of the song is a poem by the American poet, Sara Teasdale, which speaks of the desire for rest and peace in the midst of a chaotic and troubled world. The song is divided into two main sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is marked "Andante con moto" and is characterized by a gentle and flowing melody. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, providing a soft and soothing backdrop for the singer's voice. The second section is marked "Poco più mosso" and is more intense and dramatic. The melody becomes more complex and the piano accompaniment more forceful, reflecting the emotional turmoil expressed in the text. Overall, "Ask Me to Rest" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Barber's gift for melody and his ability to capture the emotional essence of a text. It is a testament to his status as one of America's greatest composers and a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

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