Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1935

Average_duration

:

2:56

"Love's Caution" is a song cycle composed by Samuel Barber in 1951. The premiere of the work was given by soprano Leontyne Price and pianist Samuel Barber on January 10, 1952, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The cycle consists of four songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, "Love at the Door," is a lively and playful piece that sets the tone for the cycle. The piano accompaniment is light and bouncy, and the vocal line is full of energy and excitement. The lyrics describe the thrill of falling in love and the anticipation of a new relationship. The second song, "St. Ita's Vision," is a more contemplative piece that explores the darker side of love. The piano accompaniment is sparse and haunting, and the vocal line is full of longing and despair. The lyrics describe a vision of the afterlife in which the speaker is tormented by the memory of a lost love. The third song, "The Secrets of the Old," is a nostalgic and wistful piece that reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The piano accompaniment is gentle and flowing, and the vocal line is full of warmth and tenderness. The lyrics describe the beauty of old memories and the sadness of letting go. The final song, "Sure on this Shining Night," is a triumphant and joyful piece that celebrates the power of love to overcome all obstacles. The piano accompaniment is grand and majestic, and the vocal line is full of passion and exultation. The lyrics describe the beauty of the night and the joy of being alive. Overall, "Love's Caution" is a beautiful and moving cycle that showcases Barber's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the complexities of human emotion. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of love and the many different forms it can take.

More....