Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1936

Average_duration

:

2:37

"I Hear an Army, Op. 10/3" is a song composed by Samuel Barber in 1937. It was premiered on January 27, 1938, by soprano Eleanor Steber and pianist Samuel Barber at the Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The song is part of a set of three songs, collectively known as "Three Songs, Op. 10," which were composed by Barber during his early years as a composer. "I Hear an Army" is a setting of a poem by James Joyce, which describes the speaker's experience of hearing an army of voices in his head. The song is in ABA form, with the A sections featuring a driving, rhythmic accompaniment that evokes the sound of marching soldiers. The B section is more lyrical and introspective, with the piano providing a gentle, flowing accompaniment to the vocal line. The song is characterized by Barber's use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and unease throughout the piece. The vocal line is often angular and fragmented, with sudden leaps and unexpected intervals that reflect the speaker's sense of disorientation and confusion. Despite its challenging vocal and piano parts, "I Hear an Army" has become a popular choice for singers and pianists alike, and is often performed in recitals and competitions. Its haunting melody and evocative text continue to captivate audiences and performers alike, making it a beloved work in the repertoire of American art song.

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