Y2701

Classical Composers 

Samuel Barber - Composer

Collins Cover Announcement 

Famous Composers

Samuel Barker

When the Metropolitan Opera first opened at the Lincoln Center in New York City, Samuel Barber's opera "Anthony and Cleopatra" was the premiere performance. With this theme setting the stage for my First Day Cover, this Collins hand-painted cachet has a distinct Egyptian flavor. In the same pattern as the other covers in this series, it also features a large portrait of the composer. In this instance, Barber works on a musical score against a backdrop of books and a violin. It is really an exceptional cachet when viewed after painting, and, as with all my other Collins Covers, you need to hold it yourself to realize its true beauty.

Barber was born in Pennsylvania and showed early talent as a composer and vocalist. He twice received Pulitzer Prizes for his compositions "Vanessa" in 1958 and "Piano Concerto" in 1962. His most famous accomplishment, however, was "Anthony and Cleopatra" and that is how I chose to remember him. A classic love story of the ages--the Roman officer Anthony and the lovely and beguiling Queen of the Nile Cleopatra--brought to the musical stage by Samuel Barber. Item #Y2701. $11.75.