Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1933

Average_duration

:

9:43

Samuel Barber's 'Music for a Scene from Shelley, for orchestra, Op. 7' was composed in 1933 and premiered on November 5th of the same year by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Leopold Stokowski. The piece is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 9 minutes. The piece is characterized by its lush and romantic harmonies, which are typical of Barber's style. The opening theme is introduced by the strings and is immediately followed by a solo oboe, which plays a lyrical melody that is later taken up by the full orchestra. The music builds to a climax before subsiding into a more introspective section, featuring a solo violin and a solo cello. The middle section of the piece is marked by a change in tempo and mood, with the music becoming more agitated and dissonant. The brass and percussion are featured prominently in this section, creating a sense of tension and drama. The music gradually builds to a climax before subsiding once again into a more introspective section. The final section of the piece returns to the opening theme, which is now played by the full orchestra. The music builds to a triumphant conclusion, with the brass and percussion once again featured prominently. The piece ends with a final flourish from the orchestra. Overall, 'Music for a Scene from Shelley' is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Barber's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its lush harmonies, lyrical melodies, and dramatic contrasts in mood and tempo. It remains a popular work in the orchestral repertoire and is frequently performed by orchestras around the world.

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