Samuel Barber

Date of Birth: March 9, 1910

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: January 23, 1981

Biography

Samuel Osborne Barber II was born on March 9, 1910, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and grew to be one of the most celebrated American composers of the 20th century. He showed prodigious musical talent from a young age, composing his first piece at age seven. Barber attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he honed his skills in composition, voice, and piano. He is best known for his “Adagio for Strings,” a work that has become a staple of American orchestral music and widely regarded as an emotional masterpiece. Barber’s compositions cover a variety of forms and genres, including orchestral, opera, choral, and piano music. His opera “Vanessa” won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1958, and he received a second Pulitzer Prize in 1963 for his “Concerto for Piano and Orchestra.” Barber’s music is noted for its lyrical melodicism, strong sense of structure, and emotional depth. He had a long-term relationship with fellow composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who was a significant influence on his work and life. Barber’s career was marked by numerous awards and honors, and his works continue to be performed by major orchestras and soloists around the world. Barber passed away on January 23, 1981, in New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence contemporary classical music.

5 Interesting Facts about Samuel Barber

1. Samuel Barber won two Pulitzer Prizes for Music during his lifetime.

2. His “Adagio for Strings” was played at the funerals of Albert Einstein and John F. Kennedy.

3. Barber was among the first students at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

4. He had a lifelong relationship with composer Gian Carlo Menotti.

5. Barber’s “First Symphony” was the first American symphony to be performed at the Salzburg Festival.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Samuel Barber

1. “I believe that music should be beautiful.”

2. “I was meant to be a composer and will be I’m sure. Don’t ask me to try to forget this unpleasant thing and go play football.”

3. “Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”

4. “What makes music so wonderful is that it is an art that cannot be explained.”

5. “I think the best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Samuel Barber achieved is not well-documented, but as an influential composer, his works have generated significant revenue over the years.