This is Samuel Barber's second time making the work of the week. Like his previous work,
Adagio for Strings, Barber's lyricism and romanticism are inherent throughout his most popular vocal song,
Sure on this Shining Night. The first time I heard this piece was in college - no sooner, because the song is actually quite hard to sing, well at to least sing well. Its challenging technically and musically. I've only heard a few people sing it well, one of whom was my bestfriend and roommate in college. It quickly became one of my favorite vocal songs. For those of you who don't have a recording of Barber's
Sure on this Shining Night, I was able to find an excellent recording for you.
The text was written by James Agee. Born in 1909 in Knoxville, TN, Agee became a well-known novelist, poet, screenwriter, and film critic. In 1934, Agee published his first book of poetry, Permit Me Voyage. Unfortunately, at the young age of 45, Agee died from a heart attack.
Barber's Sure on this Shining Night is a beautiful song. Hopefully, you too, feel the same. Well, whether you do or not, please drop a line or two in the classical music forum and share your opinion's with other classical music fans.
