The composer / conductor was certainly a champion of all sorts of Americana, and Barber's Symphony no. 1 seems right up his alley.
Alas, I do not think he ever put the symphony to record. Oh well... he did lead Barber's Violin Concerto, as well as a well-liked performance of the Adagio for Strings. I suppose Marin Alsop's six volumes of Barber on Naxos will have to suffice as a modern successor to the US master.
As to the one-movement First Symphony, it is a gas! Even though the work is titled as one movement, it really has four large sections ala a four-movement symphony. The opening and close are dramatic with plenty of Romantic sweep, the Scherzo is swirling and virtuosic, and the slow section is heartfelt, with a slightly exotic feel to its harmonies.
Strong melodic material is put through the wringer by Barber in his premier symphony, with engaging thematic development. The composer's orchestral colors are highly Romantic, although the 20th Century rings true in his voice as well. I would hesitate to call this music as sounding cinematic, for Barber offers more complexities and development than film music ever could, yet its strong bass line and satisfying climaxes often recall that within me.
I am not so hot on the discarded / not-discarded Symphony no. 2. It is as if Barber and William Walton had a talk about symphonies, and this is what he came up with. Of course, war has a different affect on every composer, and it sounds like the composer was forced into its conception.
Its opening movement is what I like most. How unexpected to hear an Old West, lumbering wagon train idea spring up after the opening business, especially opposite those dissonant first notes. I have trouble following along with the remaining two movements; I will have to try Night Flight at a later time and see what I gain in retrospect.
The School for Scandal Overture is a hoot! Again, I am reminded of the cinema, yet this time the music is of a nostalgic, inward nature, opposite its Scherzo scurryings. Of course, Adagio for Strings needs no introductions, as it is so ubiquitous; I hate to even spare any thoughts on it, for everyone will have their own views on the work.
If looking for a redoubtable recording of Barber's orchestral music, Thomas Schippers is well loved, alongside Andrew Schenck dominating the revival of the Second Symphony.
I like Järvi and Detroit here though, but I could hardly be called an expert on the matter; my experiences with Barber lay mostly with his choral music and vocal songs. I do like how Detroit is not afraid to let its brass growl out, particularly in Symphony no. 1; additionally, the big Chandos sound makes the music here sound monumental.
These Barber pieces were originally paired with other US composers on separate Chandos releases, so how great is it to now have both Symphonies all in one place with a few bonus works gathered together!
Listen on YouTube
Works
Symphony 1 in One Movement (21.42)
Symphony 2 (29.01)
School for Scandal Overture (8.55)
Adagio for Strings (8.43)
Performers
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Neeme Järvi, conductor
Label: Chandos
Year: 1991-93; 1998
Total Timing: 68.40
I am not so familiar with Barber's orchestral music, in lieu of his songs and choral music.
What great music though! Barber was certainly a talent writing for large ensembles, and I think most of these should appeal to many.
While I didn't take with his Symphony no. 2, that work was meant to be discarded by the composer, so at least I am in secure company in my take. If you enjoy it, though, have at it!
Find more Barber recordings HERE!
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