Barber and Beethoven: A Comparison

Samuel Barber's Adagio is similar to Beethoven's Symphony No.5 in that they both begin subtly and slowly and then move into what can only be described as breathtakingly magnificent masterpieces. Barber's Adagio is considered by most musicians to be a rather simple, but powerful piece - being composed of mostly diatonic steps and having a triad climax. The piece is built on violins, a viola, a cello, and a double bass. It creates a serene atmosphere, which is both moving and atmospheric. The latter, Beethoven's Symphony No.5 is a genuine masterwork, with the second movement being equally relaxing and beginning much like Barber's piece and ending with a startling climax.

The second movement, entitled Andante con moto, is "an unusual mix of variation and free writing, with the gallant theme being interrupted on three occasions by a marital fanfare in C major, and the variations themselves becoming more improvisatory in manner" ("Symphonies"). Perhaps the most significant distinction that the listener can draw between the two pieces is that Barber's is much more restrained - and provides a more tranquil feeling upon listening. That is not to say Beethoven's isn't peaceful, but the improvisational aspects that Ludwig incorporated in the second movement are similar to the complexities of the first movement and create a tenser auditory experience.

One can reason as to why Barber's piece is less improvisational than Beethoven's. The piece has and continues to be known for its emotional simplicity and tender gentleness. The piece was composed by Barber when he was in his 20's and was noted as being a melody created with poetic sadness that "reaches an arch, like a big sigh and then exhales and fades off into nothingness" ("The Impact of Barber's 'Adagio for Strings'"). Perhaps Barber intended it to be that way, composing a piece that was simple, but filled with intense emotion. Beethoven's 5th Symphony is equally filled with intense emotion and can be argued to also "fade into nothingness," ("The Impact of Barber's 'Adagio for Strings'") and if not for its marital improvisation, could have been written by Barber or vice versa.

In terms of the more specific differences, Beethoven, considered to be a young genius, wrote the entire symphony when he was facing the ever-changing aspects of losing his hearing and sought to seize life at all costs. The 5th Symphony is a "progression of emotions, from the famous opening in C minor to the triumphant C-major coda of the last movement some 40 minutes later" (Gibbs). Of course, the emotion is sprinkled across the entire symphony - not solely the second one. The second movement is full of "Beethoven's musical style, organicism, the distinctive rhythmic figure of three shorts and a long - the characteristic building of intensity, suspense, a thrilling coda and also mysteries" (Gibbs). While the second movement doesn't have the intensity at the beginning, each improvisational part carries the Beethoven performance signature. In contrast, Barber's piece lacks the bursting intensity and suspenseful coda. It is more or less an experiment in harmonic changes but in a softer and less dramatic flair. The tension is present, the emotional passion there, but not as pronounced.

In understanding why the pieces differ so dramatically, first they were written in two different time periods. Beethoven in the 19th century and Barber's in the 20th. Furthermore, the second movement has what is referred to as a double variation, followed by an ending coda. While Beethoven was not associated with the double variations in most of his music, the second movement does have them. Double variations essentially can be defined as two different themes present in one song (Guerrieri). There is the opening theme of the cellos and violins and then the theme of the clarinets, viola and bass that follow. There is also a switching back and forth between the two themes in the song as well. Barber's piece does not utilize double variation. By most accounts, it is an arch form piece. Arch form is a type of structure that is repetitive but having a theme. The special aspect of arch form, however is that it is done in reverse order. Additionally, there are time signature manipulations that Barber creates with this piece. Heyman (1992) adds that the signatures include 4/2, 5/2, 6/4, and 3/2 (168-170).

The piece, “Adagio for Strings” has received significant recognition over the years since its release, with Howard (2007) indicating that in a survey given to classical musical listeners on what they felt was the saddest piece of music they knew, Barber's piece was voted as the saddest of the five pieces that were on the list (50). Beethoven’s piece has also received notable recognition over the years, but is not looked at being sad. Another interesting distinction between Barber and Beethoven’s piece is that Beethoven wrote the piece over the course of a four year period whereas for Barber, it took a period of one year in 1936 and it would be performed 2 years later (Heyman). Additionally, Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, the second movement specifically, has not received as much notoriety as the entire symphony or the first movement. When discussed among scholars and intellectuals, more times than not, the first movement entitled “Allegro con brio,” is what many bring up and not the other movements that accompany it while Barber’s piece was not a symphony, but a normal composition so the discussion on that piece is solely on it.

Finally, Barber’s piece as previously mentioned is a very sad piece and Beethoven’s is not. His piece (Beethoven’s) is thrilling, captivating and suspenseful to hear, while the listener hearing Barber’s composition will without a doubt feel the sadness that Barber captured within it. The pieces are more different than alike despite their similar serene atmospheres that they initially project.

What Do The Pieces Remind The Listener Of?

Upon listening to Beethoven's 5th Symphony, the second movement, there is a calming feeling that happens within me. I am reminded of nature and the rainforest. Images of waterfalls, trees and clear blue sky are what come to mind. As the movement moves into its second theme, I am reminded of a formal ball where people are dancing the waltz or what is considered a formal type dancing. Images of a ballroom and mood lighting come with this theme change. The ballroom image remains despite Beethoven moving back and forth between the two themes. Despite the fact that the 5th Symphony is so popular, I find myself not wanting to repeat it as much as Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.” There is something about Barber’s piece that evokes me to push the replay button. Perhaps it is the sadness or the peaceful calmness that comes over me when I hear it. There is a lot of emotion in the composition that Barber wrote, not to say that I do not feel Beethoven’s emotion in his piece, but I feel Barber’s sadness more than I do Beethoven’s. I feel Beethoven’s passion and intensity in his first movement, where with Barber’s piece, I feel it all throughout the song.

I can see why Barber’s piece was voted as one of the most well-known classical pieces of not only its time but anyone’s time. It is a remarkable composition that is rich in texture and thought-provoking. The images that come to mind with Barber’s piece are sadness mostly, as well as a concert hall filled with musicians performing it. While the piece has a sad tone to it, it is very soothing to hear and comforting to listen to.

Works Cited

Gibbs, Christopher H. "Notes on Beethoven's Fifth Symphony." NPR, 9 June 2006. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5473894

Guerrieri, Matthew. The First Four Notes: Beethoven's Fifth and the Human Imagination. New York, NY: Knopf, 2012. Print.

Heyman, Barbara B. Samuel Barber: The Composer and His Music. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1992. Print.

Howard, Luke. "The Popular Reception of Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings ." American Music 25.1 (2007): 50-80. Print.

"The Impact of Barber's 'Adagio for Strings'." NPR, 4 Nov. 2006. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://www.npr.org/2006/11/04/6427815/the-impact-of-barbers-adagio-for-strings

Kamien, Roger. Music: An Appreciation Brief Edition with 5-CD Set . New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.

"Symphonies." Beethoven Symphonies. Beethoven Reference Site, 2010. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. <http://lvbeethoven.co.uk/page22.html#Anchor5.