Adagio for Strings facts for kids
The Adagio for Strings is a very famous piece of music. It was written by an American composer named Samuel Barber. This beautiful and emotional work is known all over the world. It is often heard in movies and TV shows.
Contents
What is the Adagio for Strings?
The Adagio for Strings is Samuel Barber's most well-known musical work. It was originally the second part of his String Quartet, Op. 11. A string quartet is a group of four string instruments. Barber then arranged this part for a larger group of instruments. This larger group is called a string orchestra.
How Samuel Barber Wrote It
Samuel Barber finished the Adagio for Strings in 1936. This was the same year he wrote the original string quartet. He created the piece to be played by many string instruments together. This makes the music sound very full and powerful.
When it was First Heard
The Adagio for Strings was first performed in 1938. It was played during a radio broadcast from a studio in New York City. The famous conductor Arturo Toscanini led the orchestra. He also took the piece on tour. People in Europe and South America got to hear it live.
Why it's So Famous
People usually love the Adagio for Strings. Many say it is very emotional and moving. One music critic said it "rarely leaves a dry eye." This means it often makes people feel strong emotions.
The music is also used in another one of Barber's works. In 1967, he used it for a choral piece called Agnus Dei. This means it was set to be sung by a choir.
You might have heard the Adagio for Strings without even knowing it. It has been featured in many TV shows and movies. In 2004, listeners of a BBC radio show voted it the "saddest classical" work ever.
See also
In Spanish: Adagio para cuerdas para niños
