This coffee break explores the work of Samuel Barber, an American composer who did not pursue big American themes, as Aaron Copland did. Instead, Barber's Adagio for Strings, written when he was in his 20s, was "celebrated for its fragile simplicity and emotion," (National Public Radio) We explore the wide landscape of his music, as well as its power and depth. Called a post-Romantic, Barber said he had no particular musical style, but stated "I just go on doing, as they say, my thing. I believe this takes a certain courage."

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