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Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty (2017) poster

Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty

2017, English. Directed by H. Paul Moon.

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.

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Runtime
2h 10m
Post-credits
None listed
Language
English
Rated
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Where to watch Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty

Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.

Availability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.

Details

Released
23 March 2017
Country
France, United States of America
composerclassical musicbernsteinsymphonyconcertosamuel barbersonatachamber musiccopland

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Is Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty worth watching?

Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.

How long is Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty?

Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty runs 130 minutes (2h 10m).

Does Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty have a post-credits scene?

None is listed for Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.

Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty parents guide: is it suitable for kids?

No age rating is listed for Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty yet.

Which OTT platform is Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty on?

Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 11 November 2026.)

What movies are like Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty?

If you liked Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty, try Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool, Supersonic, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me.

Who directed Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty?

Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty (2017) was directed by H. Paul Moon and stars Thomas Hampson, Leonard Slatkin, Marin Alsop.

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