American composer, pianist, conductor, baritone, and music educator Samuel Barber died on this day, January 23, in 1981 (b. 1910). He is considered one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century. Twice the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in Music, Barber wrote compositions such as “Adagio for Strings” that remain in the concert repertoires of orchestras around the world.

Barber was in a relationship with Italian composer, librettist, director, and playwright Gian Carlo Menotti for more than 40 years; they were both photographed by Karsh on March 11, 1956.