Decades after decades people has been feeling and crying while listening this masterpiece, and as long as we do it, this music will be having its place in the world, living its beautiful life for our children and their children.
This Adagio has all the drama of life and death, the joy and sorrow. There is the melancholy of Mozart and the strength of Beethoven, the silk of Tchaikovsky, the pathos of Schumann, and the silence and the sound of the earth: beautiful. I can hear it over and over again. It can redeem my soul with its intensity. Magnificent.
*THE STORY in PLATOON is TRUE!!! BEAUTIFUL Music but VERY SAD!!!* Those who fought in Vietnam are now we'll over 70 years old. Those that made it back *can never...EVER Forget the "experience they had in the Battle Field." I CAN NEVER... EVER FORGET!!!* Yet regardless of *so much unjustified* loss of Life there people who are motivated by Evil started so many other wars. *VERY SOON maybe WWIII.* *Rest assured however GOD will punish those who murdered so many of His Children and continue doing it now.*
At heaven's door, one step away from being inside, I looked back for that paradise God created for the living for the last time. I've retreated into the secret of my heart, but there's nothing I could hide from Him. Out of nowhere, a choir of angels came singing this song, flying over the place. Then I realized that freedom and forgetting are the same thing and I entered.
I don't understand all the music language used by other listeners, but I know what stirs my soul. I can't explain why I cry and feel hopeful at the same time, but it doesn't matter to me. This song captures what it means to be human.
The mathematics and mechanics behind the music are not important. Important is what you feel when you hear it. Why is music the most touching art? When you're listening to music like this you know that there is something deep in the background. Is it because music is the basic principle of the universe? Maybe Tolkien was closer to the truth with the beginning of the Silmarillion than he knew in case string theory turns out to be on the right way. By all means you feel that it touches the core of your being.
Because the truest beauty points beyond itself and beyond you; it is both beautiful and awful because it simultaneously reminds us of our limits in this world and the communion of truth and beauty which belong to the next. Here, we can only glimpse it now and then. This is why the climax of the piece is the silence; it points beyond itself. You fill in the blank from that part of your self that does not belong to this world, but the next.
@Proud violent Libtard --- for over a decade, I lost my love of music as I worked as a recording engineer in Boston. All became a task of perfect capture and sculpting of sound. Thank goodness I damaged my hearing so I could once again listen. There are pieces, like this by Barbe/Bernstein, that must be permitted to take your mind to a place of no time or space.
and you're right. Barber wrote the song about the loss of the Great War. That is what we're all supposed to feel and he accomplished it better than almost anyone else.
Il y a de ses compositeurs qui savent faire ressortir tous vos sentiments au point que vous pleurez de joie et de tristesse à la fois merci pour cette beauté
It is at once a man holding his wife's hand and speaking to her tenderly. It is the death of Kennedy. It is Platoon. It is the end of the world. It is the contemplative love of those who are dearest to you. It is the apex and ground. It is love and death. Sorrow and passion. Just incredible in the truest since of the word. Fabulous!
I’ll never forget when I heard this during Princess Grace’s Funeral or memorial service. It was her favorite piece of music. It has to be the saddest thing I’ve heard.
First heard it played by a live orchestra at The Mann Center in Philadelphia, where the Philadelphia Orchestra played it in mid-September 2001 after the World Trade Center attack...NO PIECE OF MUSIC has moved me more...it is one of the most beautiful, melancholy pieces that perfectly fit THAT moment in history and moves me to remember my lost parents, lost friends and then inspires me to reflect on the beauty which comes from the human mind and speaks of such possibility and longing...a perfect piece for which we can eternally thank Samuel Barber of West Chester, Pennsylvania...
@@philipgates8693 Bernstein chose slowness for the interpretation of this adagio, others are more tonic, but I find that with this slow tempo Bernstein moves us and disturbs us more, it's a bit like the music of fallen angels
Unquestionably the best version of this masterpiece anywhere, any time, by the definitive maestro. Should be the "national anthem" of a united human species balancing mind and heart - against the fullness of time
I deeply love this performance, a feeling made almost reflexive by the consolidation of favorites-composer, composition, conductor and orchestra. But I will also, deferentially, encourage everyone here to try the Cleveland Symphony’s recording of this masterwork, under the revered baton of George Szell (who died in 1970). I hesitate to mention this because I don’t wish to dampen the affection felt by serious musicians for a composer, or the loyalty of recording connoisseurs for a certain performance. But these two recordings would only enhance each other. My first stunned hearing of the Adagio-and my favorite after 49 years-was Szell’s. I regret that I never saw him conduct in person. Bernstein here surpasses even Bernstein, and manages to invest more emotional power in this work than Szell or any other conductor. That’s quite a feat, given the soul-melting gravity this composition generates by sheer dint of contrapuntal architecture. Wrapped around all that is Bernstein’s personal authority, and the reins with which he maintains a tempo slower than most. But I think Szell produced a more intellectually rigorous, dynamically streamlined performance. His sober, almost grave navigation of every score, no matter the composer or era, works especially well on composers of his similarly stolid, modalesque esthetic, like Telemann, Brahms, Ravel, Sibelius, Henze, Vaughn-Williams, Hindemith or Barber. As Boethius is sometimes nostalgically described as “the Last Roman,” Szell might have been the last of the great European musicians, given his early mastery of composing, performing and conducting, his scholarly rigor and musicology, his almost mathematical understanding of theory, and especially his assumption that true art was spiritually created on some Olympus of Art, and we can only strive to polish it perfectly, then present it. Apparently, his knowledge of all instruments astounded expert performers. So trumpeter Bernard Adelstein shared this anecdote of Szell's knowledge of the trumpet. (It appears in Szell’s Wikipedia entry): “He knew all the fingerings on the trumpet. For example, on the C-trumpet, the "E" on the fourth space is played open, with no valve, and it's a flat note. But there are two other options on the C-trumpet. You can play the same note with the first and second valves or the third valve. Both of them sound sharp. The third valve is a little sharp and the first and second valves together sounds even sharper. And he knew that. He called me in once when we were playing an octave in Don Juan. He said, "The 'E' is a flat note on the C-trumpet." I said, "Yes, that's why I play it on one and two." He said, "But one and two is sharp, isn't it?" I said, "Yes, but I make an adjustment, by lengthening the first slide a little bit." And he said, "Ah, yes, but it's still out of tune." And I can barely read Alto clef. Anyway, Samuel Barber probably matched Szell in his attention to every responsibility of composition. He once said Prokofiev was careless with such details in composition, and after listening more granularly to a few works of Prokofiev, who I totally love, btw, I have to agree with Szell-Prokofiev dazzles with his generative skills, but behind his “wall of sound,” (he invented the sound-Phil Spektpr just gave it a name and took credit), the melodic engineering, harmonic invention and rhythms, and orchestral proportions, both spatial and temporal, all slide around. He’s like the fun kid to spend time with, but he won’t help figure out or finish tomorrow’s homework! Apologies for my rambling in case anyone followed me. But Barber’s Adagio is really such an achievement that it’s worth dialog. I would call it America’s single most valuable contribution to the archives of music of western culture, and it is so internationally beloved that every orchestra wants it in its repertoire or recording library. I was lucky enough to meet the composer Lou Harrison about 25 years ago, and when asked if any composition from America, or any composer from the 20th century, was, in his regard, yet worthy of comparison to the monumental Austro-Germanic tradition, Harrison instantly blurted “Barber and his Adagio,” without hesitation, qualification or deliberation on others. He called it the envy of every living composer, and that, in the approximate words I’m sure everyone there will remember-“any composer could feel all striving justified by that single masterpiece.”
IMHO and with great respect for many conductors, no one can conduct anything like Bernstein. He was/is the perfect combination of a great mind and a great artist.
On September 11, 2001, while responding to Box Alarm 8087, 403 personnel of the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority, NY EMS, and other responders gave their lives while safely evacuating over 25k people from the WTC complex. To date, another 400+ have perished as a result of exposure to The Pile. Ground Zero is over for me now, "but it will always be there, the rest of my days. But be that as it may, those of us who were there have an obligation to build again, to teach to others what we know, and to try with what's left of our lives to find a goodness and meaning to this life." I love you guys. I will never, ever, ever forget you. Ever. I hope that is enough for you. Godspeed your End of Watch.
This is just the correct way to play this great piece. I have a friend who is a conductor and studied with Barber , he was critized for conducting this too slowly, he told the critic that is the way Barber wanted it played. RIP Maesto Bernstein !
Yet this recording (which I love) is one of the slowest. The Adagio works as a choral piece because of its contrapuntal nature. If it's too slow, you lose a sense of the way the voices interact. But if anyone could make a slow tempo work it's Bernstein. He lovingly caresses every tendril of this much-loved score. The tension is there from start to finish. Also, note how carefully he shapes Barber's dynamics.
The overreaching message for me is hope. This is more prayer than music. It breathes and focuses our souls on higher aspirations with peace in our souls.
The apex recording of America’s most sublime work of music-by our finest composer, our most most venerable conductor. I am really grateful for the thoughtful, respectful comments here. Sometimes You Tube actually brings our better angels out.
The final note of the crescendo is the most intense I've heard in any recording of this piece. Gives me goosebumps everytime. A testament to Mr. Bernstein's profound ability.
About 30 years ago, listening at my radio, i heard this piece of music. This piece of music is a gift from heaven. Touching heart and soul. Giving me a glimp of the beautyness above. Like angels playing heavenly instruments.
This is the finest rendition, in my opinion. I've watched many attempts but none come close to this. In its essence the music talks of agony and ecstasy, hope and failure, happiness and sadness, triumph and failure. In all, it talks of the human struggle and, as in life itself, the music is slow to evolve, as are we. The finale leaves us in no doubt that death and peace are our only human resolve. Such fun? I fancy a drink now!
The sonority of the LA Phil strings is so profound that I almost hear human vocal sounds at one point in this version. Thank you again, Lenny, for schooling us. I am forever grateful -- Bernstein's tempo is perfection, allowing the harmonic progression to emerge organically, as though evolving emotions during weeping.
autiemuse I thought I heard vocals too, thought it was due to my natural inclination to sing along (since I know the choral version, Agnus Dei) but it was the instruments as you said. I love this version
I agree I hear voice overtones everytime, this is by far my favourite version here ever.Interestingly I experienced these vocal tones when performing in an ensemble at the Royal Albert Hall, it was like a singer in the 2 front rows singing there heart out in my left ear.
Certainly one of the greatest piece of music written, Especially moving in his vocal version This wasBernstein at his best. This is the piece of music I want played at my memorial service.
The first time I heard this music it affected me like no other. My mother died this morning and as I sat with her for the last time I played this song over and over. It captured my sadness my crying and heartfelt pain at loosing my mom
dear leslie, believe me I know how you are at this time, the wise time is now your lead, read, walk , write , and cry and keep listening this kind of beautiful music, tomorrow will be another brand new day for you . I FEEL SO SORRY ABOUT your pain. . saludos 10p mexico.
Leslie Zotti , I too lost my mum in march and chose this for the carrying of her coffin into her resting place, makes me cry every time I hear it, but also gives me peace and joy all at once,
I'm sorry that your mother is gone. Mine has been gone for 19 years - I miss her every day. You take care of yourself, and I hope you find comfort in knowing that time does lessen the pain, but never the love.
The sense of devastating loss depicted in the music is not one of sadness, but one that goes to the very essence of a human being. It is as if one is mourning for the departure of one’s closest with such depth of feeling that one would never forget, yet the intensity of the feeling contains the very seeds that will germinate a new beginning, carrying with it a sense that time moves inexorably on with its steady rhythm and so does the world. A chapter is closed, yet another will open. There is no negativity, as if the future will be what it is being made of. While the emotion is universally human, it is also distinctly American. Thus is the essence of this masterpiece.
David Lynch uses it well in The Elephant man where it pans off into space and Joseph's mother says a few words ending "Nothing ever dies" and she's right I think she is anyway.. Just to ask,why would you say it's distinctly American? Curious to know as you put things so well.
It's amazing how we all have our personal favourite 'peices' that we keep coming back to over and over again. There's just so much beauty, love, pain, anguish and even comfort in this one magnum opus... its a peice that gathers you in its arms and lays your head on its shoulder so even if you feel the tears come on you still know tomorrow dawns a new day and it's going to be ok... if the term "perseverance" had an anthem, Adagio for Strings would be it...
This masterpiece stirs within me such a broad range of emotions. There is grief, and yet the hope to emerge from sadness. The depth of Bernstein's interpretation stirs my soul. His crescendos are musical perfection.
Rest in peace my dear Denise I know your parents didn't want us together and you carry that broken heart for 35 years and so did I I could imagine what you went through see you in heaven my dear.
@@francisbroka9471 thank you for the kind words. They say you have to move on in life I did she couldn't. But I love for each other never died it was always New . Her depression and broken heart kept her in solitude for 30 years never left her home. I found out she passed away on her birthday October 28th From A Distant cousin I haven't talked too in 20 years. May God bless you thank you for your response.
it just touches your soul so deep, so intense, to the extent you could never believe it existed. it leaves you unarmed, like a warrior it catches your spirit and makes it identic with itself. it tells you the unsayable...
This is one of the most emotional pieces that excits. Bernsteins version here is the best ever. I have seldom been touched in my soul and emotions from hearing this version. It is beyond words. He creates an emotion and dynamic feeling here which is out of this World. Incredible beautiful and emotional version. Lenny was a blessed and divine musician.
“I have seldom been touched in my soul and emotions from hearing this version” Lol, this means that you’ve rarely been moved by this version of the song haha - it’s entertaining how that line goes against all the other profuse descriptions of your connection to this piece. May you enjoy it for many more years, my friend!
If anyone was equipped to serve this so very soulful piece of music it would have to be Maestro Bernstein.He was so aware of emotion in all musical scores, and put the humane angle on all his interpretations.R.I.P. Maestro.
This was my dad's favorite piece... ❤️. Though I don't hear any harp in this... , My Aunt and Uncle were the harpists in the LA Philharmonic for many years... I love this version of this .... ❤️
"Belatedly I loved thee, O Beauty so ancient and so new, belatedly I loved thee. For see, thou wast within and I was without, and I sought thee out there. Unlovely, I rushed heedlessly among the lovely things thou hast made. Thou wast with me, but I was not with thee. These things kept me far from thee; even though they were not at all unless they were in thee. Thou didst call and cry aloud, and didst force open my deafness. Thou didst gleam and shine, and didst chase away my blindness. Thou didst breathe fragrant odors and I drew in my breath; and now I pant for thee. I tasted, and now I hunger and thirst. Thou didst touch me, and I burned for thy peace." St. Augustine
This would have to be my favourite. Bernstein manages to coax so much emotion out of the piece. The way he blends the strings is magnificent. Beautiful.
begins and ends in silence - but what happens in between is what music is all about- beauty sadness compassion feeling and 'reaching for the note'- thanks mr Bernstein and mr Barber and mr Broka for bringing back long ago memories of my childhood- lonely sad and lost- but not forgotten.
This was played by an ensemble at a beloved friend's funeral - she played the cello, was a string teacher in the school system. I could feel the emotion build up as this orchestra approached the 7th minute of the piece, building to a climax in sound and emotion, then release, like holding your breath then exhaling and taking a fresh breath. So beautiful.
Hermosa..indescriptible, única. Tan aguda que penetra en el Alma. Buenísima para corazones sensibles que conviven con el dolor y buscan un pequeño agujero de luz..en medio de su oscuridad. A la vez ofrece consuelo y alivio para nuestros males y nos prepara a enfrentar el final a donde estamos destinados a llegar.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem
Я не вижу ничего печального в этой музыке она прекрасна и дает только положительные эмоции. Я не музыкант, но это одно из самых моих любимых музыкальных произведений
Barber's "Adagio for Strings" was played by the Ft. Worth Symphony at a Concert Memorial held at the Broadway Baptist Church a few days after September 11, 2001.
The best performance that I've heard of this piece was with a thrown together but professional orchestra, conducted by a no name director....nothing beats live....and that performance nailed it...it's still reverberating in my soul
Ah, I've been looking all over for this version that conveys not just the sadness but the illumination that comes with it. Thank you so much for uploading!
Thank you for your appreciation! You're very kind, but as you can see, the Bernstein version is present on RU-vid with different images. I mean that I'm not the one to have uploaded it. Have a really very good day!
It's not just lament, it's a comforting dignified sadness which reminds me that tragedy is inevitable and transforms my pain into empathy and mercy towards all beings, including myself. It's not a pain that closes in but one that reaches out in a warm "It's hard to be human, let's not make it harder" and a hug.
This has always been my favorite classical piece because of the many emotions it brings out. It's sad, but also beautiful and the pace of it is masterful, there's also hope and inspiration as it reaches it's peak, but gently brings you back down into a sorrowful peace. This to me is a perfection of the strings.
Georgiana Bere -- Perhaps you mean 'transcendent' of the sense of tragic loss that the piece explores? It has always been this for me -- I gave birth to my son while listening to this piece -- the height of the crescendo and tonality is when my water broke, while weeping with the complete beauty.
This Melody touches my soul it made me cry my tears in vain how this world is so cold in dark sometimes how we as human are in this world of pain suffering it touch my💓 heart and soul. I respect Barber this was a masterpiece song I love to hear it in heaven.
It inspires & motivates me, for me the perfect music to wake up to & enjoy life as it’s so very precious. From the Cockney Kunt 🏴🏴😀😀💎💎👍👍🏴🏴
This piece, Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, for me captures the Passion of our Lord...His Suffering on the Cross for us...for our sins... It is sooo deeply reverential...clear in its expression of Our Lord's Agony, as well as the Ecstacy of Fulfilling the Father's Will at His moment of Death. Nothing compares to this exquisite work...Bless you, Samuel Barber... TY, Holy Spirit...💞✝️💞
@@michaelk3267 what a douche you are. Everyone has a right to attached any emotion and feelings as they see fit thru their own interpretation of any piece of music ever written. You have yours and she has hers. Dont shit on anyone else's porch.
This is not a religious work. It is entirely secular, commemorating those who have fallen in wars and humanitarian struggles. It is also for the the future -- when all of us will fall to nuclear holocaust under horrific regimes. Thank God (if there is one) that Trump was not re-elected.
