Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1937 - 1940

Average_duration

:

8:54

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

'Songs (4), Op. 13' is a song cycle composed by Samuel Barber, an American composer, in 1936. The cycle consists of four songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The premiere of the cycle was given by soprano Eleanor Steber and pianist Samuel Barber on January 27, 1937, at the Town Hall in New York City. The first song in the cycle is titled "A Nun Takes the Veil." It is a setting of a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins and is characterized by its haunting melody and sparse piano accompaniment. The second song, "The Secrets of the Old," is a setting of a poem by W.B. Yeats. It is a lively and playful song, with a jaunty piano accompaniment that perfectly captures the whimsical nature of the poem. The third song, "Sure on this Shining Night," is perhaps the most famous of the cycle. It is a setting of a poem by James Agee and is characterized by its lush harmonies and soaring melody. The piano accompaniment is rich and full, providing a perfect backdrop for the soaring vocal line. The final song in the cycle is titled "Nocturne." It is a setting of a poem by Frederic Prokosch and is characterized by its dreamy, ethereal quality. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, providing a perfect complement to the gentle vocal line. Overall, 'Songs (4), Op. 13' is a beautiful and varied song cycle that showcases Samuel Barber's skill as a composer. Each song is unique and memorable, and the cycle as a whole is a testament to Barber's ability to capture the essence of a poem and translate it into music.

More....