This is from a phase of Barber's career with pointed, modern rhythms and harmonies are more prevalent, yet there is still an overridering lyricism to this grim depiction of infanticide. Towards the end of his life Barber shortened the title, but the original title neatly describes the form of the work: A slow, measured, and tragic sense of brooding oppression leads to an eruption of violent, murderous passion. The orchestration is brilliantly conceived to sound ancient and modern at the same time. Derives from Barber's ballet score, "Medea, " or "Cave of the Heart." There is also a "Medea Suite" which contains some of the same musical ideas. While the latter is a standard cross-section of a very good ballet score, "Dance of Vengeance" is the meat of the ballet score treated as a musical Essay on the character of Medea herself. An exceptionally fine piece of music.

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