Adagio for Strings eye." In 1938, Olin Downes noted that with the piece, Barber "achieved something as perfect in mass and detail as his craftsmanship permits." In an edition of "A Conductor's Analysis of Selected Works", John William Mueller devoted over 20 pages to "Adagio for Strings". Wayne Clifford Wentzel, author of "Samuel Barber: A Research and Information Guide (Composer Resource Manuals)", said that it was a piece usually selected for a closing act because it was moderately famous. Roy Brewer, writer for AllMusic, stated that it was one of the most recognizable pieces of American concert music. G. Schirmer has published several
Classical Gas in 2003, after being featured in the film "Cheaper by the Dozen", which starred Williams's "Smothers Brothers" protégé, Steve Martin. Lisa Simpson on the animated series "The Simpsons" did a brief run-through of "Classical Gas". One of the showrunners, Al Jean, said he met composer Mason Williams, who told him how happy he was that they used it in the show. Classical Gas "Classical Gas" is an instrumental musical piece composed and originally performed by Mason Williams with instrumental backing by members of the Wrecking Crew. Originally released in 1968 on the album "The Mason Williams Phonograph Record", it has