Adagio for Strings

About

Some music stays with you long after the last note. Barber’s Adagio for Strings is that kind of music. From its unforgettable role in the Oscar-winning film Platoon to surprising appearances in beloved television comedies like Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and How I Met Your Mother, Barber’s soaring melody has captivated audiences far beyond the concert hall. Before it became a familiar soundtrack to poignant moments on screen, this music began with just four musicians. At this Chamber Soirée in the intimate setting of Holley Hall, experience Barber’s beloved Adagio as he first imagined it: two violins, viola, and cello, weaving their individual lines into something breathtaking. The Sarasota String Quartet performs Barber’s complete String Quartet, placing the famous Adagio at the heart of a work filled with passion and energy. It’s a chance to hear a longtime favorite up close and discover the vibrant music that surrounds it.

And there’s more to discover:

Bernstein, the composer of West Side Story brings his flair for rhythm and personality to Dance Suite. Five miniature dances sparkle in the hands of the Sarasota Brass Quintet, including a cheeky nod to pop culture titled “MTV.”

Ravel offers irresistible French charm. Elegant melodies, sparkling textures, and lively dance rhythms make Le tombeau de Couperin a colorful delight. The Sarasota Wind Quintet brings its own distinctive blend of instrumental colors to this enchanting music.

Take a flight of imagination with Frank Bridge. The title Phantasy offers a clue: this music lets imagination lead the way. Written for a patron who wanted to revive the English tradition of musical fantasies, Bridge’s work blends piano and strings in a continuous journey through lyrical warmth, playful energy, and sweeping Romantic expression.