Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1938

Average_duration

:

2:27

"Sure on this shining night, Op. 13/3" is a song composed by Samuel Barber in 1938. It was premiered on April 27, 1940, by soprano Eleanor Steber and pianist Edwin McArthur at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. The song is part of a set of four songs titled "Four Songs, Op. 13," which were composed by Barber in 1937-1938. The other three songs in the set are "Nocturne," "Sleep Now," and "I Hear an Army." "Sure on this shining night" is a setting of a poem by James Agee, which was originally published in his book "Permit Me Voyage" in 1934. The poem describes a peaceful and serene night, with the stars shining brightly in the sky. The speaker of the poem reflects on the beauty of the night and the joy it brings, and expresses a sense of gratitude for being alive to experience it. The song is in A-flat major and has a slow and lyrical tempo. It is written in a simple and straightforward style, with a melody that is easy to sing and a piano accompaniment that is supportive but not overly complex. The vocal line is expressive and emotional, with long phrases and a wide range of dynamics. The song is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is marked "Moderato," and features a gentle and flowing melody that captures the peacefulness of the night. The second section is marked "Poco più mosso," and is more intense and dramatic, with a rising and falling melody that suggests the speaker's emotional response to the beauty of the night. The final section returns to the original melody and tempo, and ends with a sense of calm and contentment. Overall, "Sure on this shining night" is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the essence of James Agee's poem. It is a testament to Samuel Barber's skill as a composer, and has become one of his most beloved and frequently performed works.

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