[Doc Sarvis]

I've really been enjoying the work of this oft-neglected (with one exception) 20th century American composer. Here are a few favorites:

This is a marvelous CD, and includes the seldom-heard Symphony # 2 (Barber actually burned it in a fit of depression, bu thankfully another copy existed).

Nice overview of his concerti (my favorite recording of Browning and the piano concerto is with Szell but I have it on vinyl, and don't think it exists on CD (unless I missed it).

Contains my favorite Adagio (although I have not yet heard the SQ version - anyone have a recommendation?

A treaure trove of golden-age Mercury recordings of American music, including Barber (this contains my favorite recordings of both Medea and Capricorn suites - although I also really like the Alsop/Naxos versions).

Thoughts? Comments? Recommendations?

 

[Mikesul]

I agree. Barber deserves much more attention. His work is wonderful. Hilary Hahn has a killer rendition of the Violin Concerto and Dawn Upshaw does a lovely job with the haunting Nashville Summer 1916. I am sorry I do not have the label information here.

 

[FalconP]

I love the budget offering from EMI Gemini



It covers the most famous orchestral works (except the symphonies, which you can turn to Alsop under Naxos; the Cello concerto, which I recommend Yo-yo ma; and the Piano concerto, which I don't own yet). Also you get a bunch of chamber music and piano pieces.

 

[JayG]

I second the recommendation of Hilary Hahn's recording of the violin concerto. It is my top choice.

This disc:

contains a spectacular rendition of the 1st symphony, and is a terrific album as a whole.

-Jay

 

[Oistrakh]

I recommend the legendary Isaac Stern/Bernstein recording for the violin concerto