Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings - La Jolla Symphony and Chorus

07/26/19 • 13 min

Originally written as the second (slow) movement of a string quartet, Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" went on to become one of the most popular symphonic works of the 20th century in its final orchestral arrangement. The solemn character of the Adagio has led to its frequent use as mourning music, much to Barber’s distress since it was not his intention to write a requiem. It was broadcast following the announcement of President Roosevelt’s death in 1945, and performed by the New York Philharmonic to mark Barber’s own death in 1981. Indeed, the Adagio seems fated to be used whenever someone needs music that sounds both “ceremonial” and “American.” Whatever its unintentional cultural accretions, Barber's melody is still both beautiful and powerful after countless hearings. Series: "La Jolla Symphony & Chorus" [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 35009]

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Ralph Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem - La Jolla Symphony and Chorus

Commissioned in 1936 to compose a large-scale piece for a choral society's centenary celebration, Ralph Vaughan Williams instead wrote for them a cantata for soprano, baritone, chorus, and orchestra titled "Dona Nobis Pacem" – and it was anything but a celebration piece. Dona Nobis Pacem (“Give Us Peace”) was the composer’s protest against war and a cry for peace at a time of growing international tension. Three years later, Vaughan Williams' worst fears would be realized. Series: "La Jolla Symphony & Chorus" [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 35010]

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The Private Art of Theodor Dr. Seuss Geisel - Dinner in the Library 2019

Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, created paintings and sketches for his own enjoyment. Some of these pieces were on loan from the Geisel estate and exhibited at the UC San Diego Library for the 16th annual Dinner in the Library gala. Join a panel of distinguished speakers as they explore broad themes woven throughout Geisel’s works and its literary and artistic impact. Panelists Mary Beebe, Stuart Collection, Seth Lerer, Professor of Literature, and Rob Sidner, Mingei International Museum, each bring a unique perspective. Series: "Library Channel" [Humanities] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 35062]