Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty poster
FilmMusicHistoryDocumentary

Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty (2017)

2017-03-23 · 2h 10m · EN
100%
User score
1 votes
▶ Play trailerIMDb ↗
Sign in to build your library →

A documentary about the composer of the Adagio for Strings

Known for his mournful "Adagio for Strings," Samuel Barber was never quite fashionable. This acclaimed film is a probing exploration of his music and melancholia. Performance, oral history, musicology, and biography combine to explore the life and music of one of America’s greatest composers. Features Thomas Hampson, Leonard Slatkin, Marin Alsop and many more of the world's leading experts on Barber's music, with tributes from composers Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Virgil Thomson and William Schuman. The film was broadcast on PBS, and screened at nine film festivals internationally, with three best-of awards. It was named a Recording of the Year 2017 by MusicWeb International.

Read the Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty feature →
H. Paul MoonDirector

Where to watch Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty

All countries & options →
Rent
Amazon Video
Buy
Amazon Video
Where to watch Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty in your country →

Showing US. Availability data by JustWatch.

Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Thomas HampsonThomas HampsonHimselfLeonard SlatkinLeonard SlatkinHimselfMarin AlsopMarin AlsopHerselfJohn CoriglianoJohn CoriglianoHimselfJenny Oaks BakerJenny Oaks BakerHerself

Keywords

Classical musicComposerSymphonyBernsteinConcertoSamuel barberSonataChamber musicCopland

Movie DNA

Genre affinityMusic · History · DocumentaryTheme affinityClassical Music · Composer · SymphonyPacingLongDirector preference574313Actor preference352674 · 571551 · 574311Country preferenceFr

More like this

More Music →
Wonka★ 7.2Viewing moment
Wonka
2023
Trolls Band Together★ 7.3Viewing moment
Trolls Band Together
2023
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie★ 7.8Viewing moment
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie
2023
Given★ 8.5Viewing moment
Given
2020
The Color Purple★ 6.6Viewing moment
The Color Purple
2023
The Lion King★ 7.1Viewing moment
The Lion King
2019
Mean Girls★ 6.6Viewing moment
Mean Girls
2024
Jesus★ 7.5Viewing moment
Jesus
2020
Encanto★ 7.6Viewing moment
Encanto
2021
Sing 2★ 7.9Viewing moment
Sing 2
2021
Soul★ 8.1Viewing moment
Soul
2020
Coco★ 8.2Viewing moment
Coco
2017

Frequently asked questions about Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty

What is Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty about?

Known for his mournful "Adagio for Strings," Samuel Barber was never quite fashionable. This acclaimed film is a probing exploration of his music and melancholia. Performance, oral history, musicology, and biography combine to explore the life and music of one of America’s greatest composers. Features Thomas Hampson, Leonard Slatkin, Marin Alsop and many more of the world's leading experts on Barber's music, with tributes from composers Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Virgil Thomson and William Schuman. The film was broadcast on PBS, and screened at nine film festivals internationally, with three best-of awards. It was named a Recording of the Year 2017 by MusicWeb International.

How long is Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty?

Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty has a runtime of 130 minutes.

Where can I watch Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty?

Open the Vlovu watch guide for current streaming, rental, and purchase options.