Barber, Samuel. (1910–1981)
Essay For Orchestra, op. 12 - Autograph Musical Manuscript Page
Autograph musical manuscript page of the important American composer's Essay for Orchestra, op. 12, in a short score reduction. The first 19 measures of the work are penned in 4 systems of 3 staves, the music including phrasing, dynamics, and indications of instrumentation. Barber has signed boldly at the upper right with the opus number. 1 p. on manuscript paper, trimmed at the edges, verso blank. Slight inkblot and smudge to the beginning of the third system; small are of edge wear at the lower right; overall light toning. Crisply penned in black ink and overall in fine condition. 9.25 x 11.25 inches (23.6 x 28.5 cm). Autograph manuscripts by the composer are uncommon.The Essay for Orchestra, Op. 12, was completed in the first half of 1938. Barber, aged 28, was not yet widely known as a composer, but had found a friend and champion in Arturo Toscanini, who promoted his music. Toscanini premiered the Essay together with Barber's Adagio for Strings in November 1938, in a radio broadcast with the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Barber had developed his own musical form, the "essay," in his earlier Three Essays for Piano; mirroring a written essay, it develops thoughtfully from one musical "thesis." He would later write a second (1942) and third (1978) essay for orchestra. (15539)
Manuscript Music Classical Music