More Barber from Detroit

 

Chandos continues to compile together the Estonian conductor's survey of Samuel Barber.

This time it is the US composer's Three Essays for Orchestra. The First Essay is my favorite. Its stately opening thematic idea is full of possibilities, and I daresay Barber gets the very most out of it that he can. The quicker middle portion is a nice bit of variety, but how he brings back the main idea is superb.

The Second Essay leans more on Barber's penchant for nostalgic musical settings, with some glorious brass portions alongside an insistent timpani which threads through its runtime. I can't say either the second, nor the more airy and atmospheric Third Essay, reach the heights of the first, but it is an interesting study into the progression of the US composer's musical voice.

I am surprised the rather slinky Intermezzo from Barber's opera Vanessa gets as much play time as it does, for I don't find its three minutes particularly memorable. Under the Willow Tree is far more curious to my ears, where its raucous waltz is just so colorful; where has this piece been hiding?

Both Music for a Scene from Shelley and Medea's Meditation and Dance of Vengeance are major orchestral works from Barber. The former has a wonderful orchestral build up, yet generally relies on Gothic atmosphere. The latter captures the uncomfortable, oddly-rhythmed dance from Medea, with piano and percussion adding their charms.

As with the other Barber recording on Chandos from this same team (with the Symphonies), Järvi is solid in this music, if not reaching classic status. For that, one would need to look at Slatkin on RCA or Thomas Schippers on Sony. For an exhaustive set, Marin Alsop on Naxos is a little newer. But if you want the big orchestral hits from Samuel Barber, this is an easy way to get them.

 

Listen on YouTube

 

 

 

Works
First Essay for Orchestra (8.10)
Second Essay for Orchestra (9.35)
Third Essay for Orchestra (11.58)
Vanessa
   Intermezzo (3.19)
   Under the Willow Tree (3.22)
Music for a Scene from Shelley (10.13)
Medea's Meditation and Dance of Vengeance (13.01)

Performers
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Neeme Järvi, conductor

Label: Chandos
Year: 1992-94; 2001
Total Timing: 60.20

 

 

 

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.

Järvi contributions to Barber's music takes a back seat to Slatkin and Schippers, but is appealing as a set nonetheless.

 

 

 

Find more Barber recordings HERE!