Capricorn Concerto

Capricorn Concerto

Samuel Barber's Capricorn Concerto (Op. 21), completed 8 September 1944 is a chamber piece for flute, oboe, trumpet and strings. It was premiered by Saidenberg Little Symphony at Town Hall 8 October 1944. It lasts approximately 14 min.

The concerto was written when Barber was still serving in the army but at a point of time when he was granted time and freedom to compose. Hence the piece was composed in and named after the house "Capricorn", acquired by Barber and Gian Carlo Menotti in 1943 and so-named for the maximum sunshine it got during the winter (Heyman 1992, 239).