Samuel Barber
Celebrating the Barber centennial: his life and music in performance and perspective
In the mid-20th century, when composers were writing with angularity and dissonance, Samuel Barber forged his own lyrical, romantic style. By the time he was 26 years old, he had composed the iconic Adagio for Strings.
Concerts
Partner Content from APM
March 9, 2010 One of the best-loved concertos was commissioned by a soap tycoon. Hear it performed in concert.
June 7, 2009 Hear the Gold Medalists at the Cliburn Competition, held every four years in Fort Worth, Texas.
Partner Content from APM
May 2, 2008 The composer distills the idea of home and family in a reflective setting for soprano and orchestra.
February 26, 2008 In an act of symphonic diplomacy, the orchestra pays a visit to the North Korean capital.
Studio Sessions
May 7, 2008 Bethesda's high-tech concert hall hosts young musicians playing music by Barber and Debussy.
Interviews & Profiles
October 30, 2010 Conductor Marin Alsop discovers there's more to Samuel Barber than his famed Adagio.
March 9, 2010 From sorrow, the music builds to a climax of intensity, and finally reaches serene acceptance.
November 4, 2006 The 1938 premiere came at a turbulent time for the world, and for conductor Arturo Toscanini.
March 13, 2000 Composer Samuel Barber's best-known work was first performed as an orchestral work in 1938.
Discover Songs
March 5, 2010 Hear Barber discuss his own music and listen to some of his essential recordings.
News
March 9, 2010 Barber wasn't afraid to use traditional tonality in his works, despite scathing critical reviews.
March 5, 2010 Hear Barber discuss his own music and listen to some of his essential recordings.
June 7, 2009 Hear the Gold Medalists at the Cliburn Competition, held every four years in Fort Worth, Texas.
February 26, 2008 In an act of symphonic diplomacy, the orchestra pays a visit to the North Korean capital.
February 25, 2008 The group is slated to perform Wagner, Dvorak and Gershwin for the historic occasion.
More Stories
June 5, 2006 Unraveling the complexities and the mysteries of the what Mozart called the king of instruments.
September 27, 2010 What's the saddest music you know? Hear the finest of the forlorn and the best of the bereaved.
September 23, 2010 Name your first favorite piece of classical music? The query launched a blog and a flood of stories.
