Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1926

Average_duration

:

02:49

"Man" is a choral work composed by Samuel Barber in 1971. The piece was commissioned by the American Choral Directors Association to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the United Nations. It was premiered on October 24, 1971, by the ACDA National Convention Choir, conducted by Robert Shaw. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, "Man and His World," is a setting of a text by Archibald MacLeish. It begins with a powerful unison statement by the choir, which is then followed by a series of choral and solo passages that explore the relationship between man and the world around him. The movement ends with a triumphant affirmation of man's ability to shape his own destiny. The second movement, "Man and His Dreams," is a setting of a text by Stephen Spender. It is a more introspective and contemplative movement, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that is passed between the choir and soloists. The text explores the nature of human ambition and the struggle to achieve one's dreams. The final movement, "Man and His Faith," is a setting of a text by James Agee. It is a deeply spiritual and emotional movement, with a soaring melody that builds to a powerful climax. The text explores the role of faith in human life and the search for meaning and purpose in a world that can often seem chaotic and uncertain. Overall, "Man" is a powerful and moving work that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Barber's music is both lyrical and dramatic, with a keen sense of the emotional power of choral singing. The piece is a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

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