Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1931

Average_duration

:

8:13

Dover Beach, Op. 3 is a composition for voice and string quartet by Samuel Barber. It was composed in 1931, when Barber was just 21 years old, and premiered in New York City in 1933. The piece is based on the poem "Dover Beach" by the English poet Matthew Arnold. The composition consists of four movements, each corresponding to a different section of the poem. The first movement, marked "Moderato," sets the opening lines of the poem, with the voice singing over a gentle, flowing accompaniment from the strings. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is more agitated, with the voice and strings trading off rapid, staccato phrases. The third movement, marked "Andante," is more contemplative, with the voice singing over a lush, romantic string accompaniment. The final movement, marked "Adagio," returns to the opening material, with the voice singing the final lines of the poem over a gentle, flowing accompaniment from the strings. The piece is characterized by Barber's lyrical, expressive style, which is particularly well-suited to the melancholy, introspective mood of Arnold's poem. The use of a string quartet as the accompanying ensemble gives the piece a chamber music feel, with the voice and strings weaving together in intricate, intimate textures. The piece is also notable for its use of word painting, with the music reflecting the meaning and mood of the text in subtle and evocative ways. Overall, Dover Beach, Op. 3 is a beautiful and poignant work that showcases Barber's early talent and sets the stage for his later achievements as one of America's most beloved composers.

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