Samuel Barber

Lore & Background

Barber was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, into a distinguished family; his aunt was contralto Louise Homer and his uncle was composer Sidney Homer, who mentored him for over 25 years. A child prodigy, he began piano at six and composed his first piece, Sadness, at age seven. At nine, he wrote to his mother declaring he was meant to be a composer, not an athlete. He entered the Curtis Institute at 14, studying composition with Rosario Scalero, piano with Isabelle Vengerova, and voice with Emilio de Gogorza. There he met Gian Carlo Menotti, who became his lifelong partner.

Reader's Guide

Samuel Barber's significance lies in his ability to bridge traditional 19th-century lyricism with selective modernist techniques, creating a distinctive voice that resonated widely. Two-thirds of his output were vocal compositions. At his death, nearly all his works had been recorded, and many were commissioned by major ensembles and artists. Barber's music remains a staple of concert halls, admired for its emotional directness and craftsmanship.

Did You Know?

• Barber composed his first piece, titled 'Sadness,' at age seven, and wrote his first operetta at age 10.
• He won the Pulitzer Prize for Music twice: for the opera Vanessa and the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra.
• He studied composition with Rosario Scalero for nine years and with his uncle Sidney Homer for over 25 years.