Lyric for Strings

George Walker (1922 - 2018), a pioneering, Pulitzer Prize- winning figure in American classical music, left an indeliblemark with his profound compositions and achievements. "Lyric for Strings" stands as a poignant testament to Walker'smastery of expression and emotional depth. Originally conceived as a movement within a larger string quartet during his undergraduate years at the Curtis Institute of Music, this piece underwent a transformative journey beforeemerging as a standalone work. Originally titled "Lament, " likely because of the composition's personal nature and homage to his grandmother, this tender piece was an extraction froma string quartet. Before its first professional performance, Walker renamed the piece "Adagio;" however, he ultimatelysettled on the evocative title "Lyric for Strings" before its publication.