Samuel Barber

Adagio for Strings, Op. 11

Born: March 9, 1910, West Chester, PA

Died: January 23, 1981 (age 70 years), 907 Fifth Avenue

Parents: Samuel Le Roy Barber, Marguerite McLeod Beatty

Overview:Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant pieces in the American classical music repertoire. Originally composed as the second movement of Barber’s String Quartet, Op. 11 in 1936, the Adagio was later arranged for string orchestra by the composer at the request of conductor Arturo Toscanini. Its premiere took place on November 5, 1938, with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, and it has since become a symbol of mourning and solemnity, often performed at funerals, memorials, and other significant occasions.

Structure: The Adagio for Strings is a single-movement work that unfolds in a slow, lyrical manner. It is known for its gradual build-up of intensity, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that is passed between the string sections. The piece crescendos to a powerful climax before resolving into a quiet, contemplative conclusion. The simplicity of its structure, combined with the emotional depth of its expression, makes the Adagio a profoundly moving experience.

Musical Highlights: The piece is marked by its use of sustained, long phrases and a deliberate pacing that allows the emotion to resonate deeply with the listener. The melody is characterized by its arching shape, which rises and falls, creating a sense of longing and unresolved tension. The climax of the piece, where all the strings come together in a powerful, unified sound, is particularly impactful, often leaving audiences in a state of reflection.

Historical Context: Barber composed the original quartet version of the Adagio while studying in Europe, and it quickly became one of his most recognized works. Its orchestral arrangement gained widespread acclaim after Toscanini’s premiere. The Adagio has been used in various contexts, from public memorials to film soundtracks, most notably in the 1986 film Platoon. It has also been performed at the funerals of significant public figures, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, cementing its place as a piece of national significance.

Significance: The enduring appeal of Barber’s Adagio for Strings lies in its ability to convey profound emotion through its simple yet powerful melodic line. It is a piece that speaks directly to the human heart, transcending time and cultural boundaries. Its universality and emotional impact have made it a staple of the orchestral repertoire, beloved by audiences around the world.

Sources:

Heyman, Barbara B. Samuel Barber: The Composer and His Music. Oxford University Press, 1992.
Gimbel, Allen. Samuel Barber: A Research and Information Guide. Routledge, 2010.
Schwartz, Elliott. Music Since 1945: Issues, Materials, and Literature. Schirmer Books, 1993.