Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

1937 - 1940

Average_duration

:

8:51

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Samuel Barber's 'Reincarnations, Op. 16' is a choral work composed in 1940. It was premiered by the Westminster Choir under the direction of John Finley Williamson on May 4, 1942, at the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. The piece consists of three movements, each based on a different Irish poem. The first movement, "Mary Hynes," is a lively and rhythmic setting of a traditional Irish folk song. Barber's arrangement features a playful interplay between the voices, with the melody passing from one section to another. The piece is characterized by its use of syncopation and lively tempo, which give it a joyful and celebratory feel. The second movement, "Anthony O'Daly," is a more somber and introspective piece. The poem, written by James Stephens, tells the story of a man who has lost his love and is now wandering alone in the world. Barber's setting is haunting and melancholic, with the voices weaving in and out of each other to create a sense of loneliness and isolation. The final movement, "The Coolin," is a setting of a poem by James Joyce. The piece is a slow and mournful lament, with the voices singing in unison to create a sense of unity and solidarity. Barber's arrangement is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which give the piece a haunting and otherworldly quality. Overall, 'Reincarnations, Op. 16' is a masterful work that showcases Barber's skill as a composer and his ability to create a wide range of moods and emotions through his music. The piece is a testament to the enduring power of Irish poetry and music, and remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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