The 20th-Century Art Song

 

Barber was one of the greats in the genre, for sure.

In Roberta Alexander's recording of Barber's orchestrated songs (BLOG), I lamented the fact it took me some time to appreciate facets of her vocalizing.

There is no such reservation here; her approach to Barber's art songs are stylish and characterful, without giving way to her consistent vocal technique. Perhaps my earlier feelings of her singing were due to the presence of a symphony orchestra and their program of operatic literature.

Either way, I consider Samuel Barber one of the greatest art song composers of the 20th Century. The composer is songful in his settings, while still being true to the complexities of 20th Century music. He gives equal difficulties to the piano as he does the voice, a strong marker for fine compositions in this genre for this listener. Barber's selection of texts, particularly James Joyce, are full of meaning, and not without an occasional sense of humor.

I think it is the Hermit Songs which introduced me to the idea of music without a time signature. To a musician, this sounds like a method into chaos, however, the composer uses this technique with subtlety, yet with purpose, and the song cycle remains one if his finest and most approachable.

Dutch pianist Tan Crone is excellent in her role, even if she makes sure Alexander is always in the lead for the listener. If there is a deficit to this program, Alexander does not cover the remaining Barber song cycle Mélodies passagères, although it is the only one not in English, so perhaps this is a choice of these performers not to include it. Otherwise, I would have enjoyed hearing her sing the Three Songs, op. 45, also not included.

As far as recorded competition, Leontyne Price's Hermit Songs are cherished, even moreso for having Barber himself at the piano. Thomas Hampson and Cheryl Studer have a complete set of Barber's songs (BLOG), although I enjoy that one more for Hampson than his partner, so Roberta Alexander has a leg up over some of that set.

While I didn't notice it on my home theater speakers, on headphones Roberta Alexander's highest, loudest notes experiences a bit of sonic crush and crackle. Nothing which ruined my experience, but I could see this being a bother for some listeners.

Works
Three Songs, op. 2 (5.19)
Three Songs, op. 10 (7.32)
Four Songs, op. 13 (9.01)
Two Songs, op. 18 (4.08)
Nuvoletta, op. 25 (5.16)
Hermit Songs (16.54)
Despite and Still (10.29)

Performers
Robert Alexander, soprano
Tan Crone, piano

Label: Etcetera
Year: 1988
Total Timing: 58.39

I am all about Samuel Barber's art songs, and now I am all about Roberta Alexander singing Samuel Barber's art songs.

It is not a complete cycle of the composer's songs, but very close. In such fine performances, who could complain?

Excellent!

Find more Barber recordings HERE!