Samuel Barber Op. 17-Composed in 1942 Barber's Second Essay is a masterwork of concentrated musical drama with a richness of texture comprised of highly charged and succinctly organized musical modules. The opening theme has a definiteAmerican flavor. This is followed by a fugal section evolving from simple tonal patterns to polytonality. After an intensely rhythmic third section all elements are combined in a huge climax and coda which rounds off the work.Expertly transcribed by Dr. George Schneider this is certain to find its place in the standard repertoire for mature ensembles. Dur: 11:00 (Grade 5)
