Choral Works of Samuel Barber

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Samuel Barber's "Choral Works," a captivating collection of the renowned composer's finest choral compositions. Released on August 11, 2022, via Arabesque Recordings, this album spans a concise yet powerful 58 minutes, showcasing Barber's unparalleled mastery of romantic structures and sensibilities.

The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful "Agnus Dei," a choral arrangement of Barber's iconic "Adagio for Strings," setting the Latin words from the liturgical Agnus Dei to his poignant melody. This piece is followed by a diverse array of choral works, including "Prayers of Kierkegaard," "To Be Sung on the Water," and "Choral For Ascension Day," each demonstrating Barber's lyrical prowess and harmonic richness.

A highlight of the album is the three-part "Reincarnations," featuring settings of Irish folk texts that blend Barber's classical training with folk influences. The album concludes with an organ version of "Agnus Dei," providing a fitting bookend to this exploration of Barber's choral repertoire.

Samuel Barber, born Samuel Osborne Barber II, was an American composer celebrated for his contributions to orchestral, opera, choral, and piano music. His works are known for their rhythmic complexity and lyrical beauty, making this collection a essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's library. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Barber's music or a newcomer to his compositions, "Choral Works of Samuel Barber" offers a compelling journey through the composer's choral masterpieces.

Samuel Barber, one of the most celebrated American composers of the 20th century, is renowned for his lyrical and emotionally expressive music that bridges the gap between the Romantic era and modernism. Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Barber showed prodigious musical talent from a young age, studying composition with Rosario Scalero at the Curtis Institute and later with his uncle, composer Sidney Homer. His works, such as the iconic "Adagio for Strings" and the opera "Vanessa," are staples of the classical repertoire, showcasing his mastery of traditional harmonic language and formal structure. Barber's compositions often evoke deep emotions, with a rich harmonic palette and rhythmic complexity that captivates audiences. Despite the experimental trends of his time, Barber remained rooted in the Romantic tradition, earning him the title of the "last great American Romantic." His collaborations with Gian Carlo Menotti and his profound influence on classical music solidify his legacy as a composer of unparalleled expressiveness and lyricism.