In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Samuel Barber, we are proud to release this major new edition, which includes newly edited and engraved editions of the complete contents of Collected Songs and Ten Early Songs (1994), plus many previously unpublished early songs. Manuscripts from the Library of Congress and other sources were consulted for all songs. The edition includes extensive historical information about each song, a lengthy and insightful article about Barber, and facsimiles of selected manuscripts.
Songs published during the composer’s lifetime
(In chronological order of publication)
Three Songs, Op. 2: The Daisies; With rue my heart is laden; Bessie Bobtail • Three Songs, Op. 10: Rain has fallen; Sleep now; I hear an army • Four Songs, Op. 13: A Nun Takes the Veil; The Secrets of the Old; Sure on this shining night; Nocturne • Two Songs, Op. 18: The queen’s face on the summery coin; Monks and Raisins • Nuvoletta, Op. 25 o Mélodies passagères, Op. 27: Puisque tout passé; Un cygne; Tombeau dans un parc; Le clocher chante; Départ • Hermit Songs, Op. 29: At Saint Patrick’s Purgatory; Church Bell at Night; St. Ita’s Vision; The Heavenly Banquet; The Crucifixion; Sea-Snatch; Promiscuity; The Monk and His Cat; The Praises of God; The Desire for Hermitage • Despite and Still, Op. 41: A Last Song; My Lizard (Wish for Young Love); In the Wilderness; Solitary Hotel; Despite and Still • Three Songs, Op. 45: Now have I fed and eaten up the rose; A Green Lowland of Pianos; O boundless, boundless evening
Songs published posthumously
1 First published in this edition
2 First published in Samuel Barber: Ten Early Songs (1994)
3 First published in Samuel Barber: Ten Selected Songs (2008)
Ask me to rest 1 • Au claire de lune 1 • Beggar’s Song 2 • Fantasy in Purple 1 • In the dark pinewood 2 • La nuit 1 • Love at the Door 2 • Love’s Caution 2 • Man 1 • Mother, I cannot mind my wheel 3 • Music, when soft voices die 1 • Night Wanderers 2 • Of that so sweet imprisonment 2 • Peace 1 • Serenader 2 • A Slumber Song of the Madonna 2 • Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening 1 • Strings in the earth and air 2 • There’s nae lark 2 • Three Songs, The Words from Old England: Lady, when I behold the roses 1; An Earnest Visit to His Unkind Mistress Not to Forsake Him 1; Hey nonny no! 3 • Two Poems of the Wind: Little Children of the Wind 1; Longing 1 • Two Songs of Youth: I never thought that youth would go 1; Invocation to Youth • Watchers 1 • Who carries corn and crown 1