Sonata, Op.6 for cello and piano by Samuel Barber
Published by Schirmer
Samuel Barber (1910-81) was an American composer known for his lyrical neoromantic music. Though he used 20th century techniques, he was strongly informed by music of the past, included by Brahms, Mozart, Beethoven, and composers of the Baroque and Renaissance eras. He wrote in all classical genres and collaborated on operas with his colleague and life partner, Gian Carlo Menotti. He is perhaps best known for his gorgeous "Adagio for Strings".
Barber's prodigious compositional skill was such that his student works were of a consistently high level of quality and refinement. This undoubtedly includes his last student work, his Cello Sonata, Op.6 (1932), dedicated to his composition teacher Rosario Scalero, perhaps as a send-off. It is modeled on Brahms's cello sonatas, while incorporating his own lyrical, rhapsodic style of unfolding development. The perpetual motion middle movement is a particular high point. Advanced level, Grade 5.
