Barber, Samuel, 1910-1981
Biography
Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was an American composer of orchestral, opera, choral, and piano music. He attended the Curtis Institute of Music from 1924 to 1934, studying composition with Rosario Scalero, piano with Isabelle Vengerova (1924-1926), and voice with Emilio de Gogorza.
In 1928, Scalero accepted italian-born student Gian-Carlo Menotti who became Barber's colleague and life partner. The two composers had a very close relationship with Curtis founder, Mary Louise Curtis. They corresponded often, and she assisted them professionally and financially at times. Her assistance enabled them to purchase their home, known as Capricorn, in Mt. Kisco, New York which became a meeting place for artists and intellectuals. After Barber and Menotti separated, the house was sold in 1973.
Found in 24 Collections and/or Records:
Artifact collection
The Artifact collection contains objects and memorabilia relating to the history of the Curtis Institute of Music or members of the faculty and alumni, including materials that used to adorn the building.
Barber, Samuel (Composition, 1934)
Collection of Samuel Barber materials
The collection of Samuel Barber materials includes letters from Samuel Barber, autograph manuscripts, programs, clippings, photographs, and miscellaneous materials concerning Barber, originating from multiple sources. Autograph music manuscripts are kept in the Curtis Institute of Music Special Collections.
Congratulatory letter from the PA Senate to the Samuel Barber Foundation on the 100th anniversary of his birth, 9 February 2011
Elizabeth Swenson scrapbook (MSS 37)
Materials primarily related to Curtis and Curtis affiliated musicians; collected by Swenson while serving as assistant to the dean, 1924-1942
Hand-written autographed orchestration of Samuel Barber’s “The Commando March, July 1943
Letters from Samuel Barber to Sheppard Lehnhoff, 1941-1942
(2) letters from Barber to his old friend, violist Sheppard Lehnhoff. The first, dated December 1941, regards Barber trying to get a copy of his 'Serenade' for Lehnhoff. The second, dated March 1942, critiques the latter's performance of one of his works (unnamed).
Roland Leich collection (MSS 52)
Collection of letters between American composer and teacher Roland Leich and his former student Cynthia Cozette Lee.