Dive into the rich tapestry of Samuel Barber's musical genius with this comprehensive collection of historical recordings spanning from 1935 to 1960. This eight-disc set offers an unparalleled journey through the composer's most celebrated works, providing a unique glimpse into his artistic evolution over a quarter of a century. From the hauntingly beautiful "Adagio for Strings" to the dramatic operatic scenes from "Vanessa," each track is a testament to Barber's mastery of composition and his enduring impact on the classical music landscape.
The album features a diverse range of genres and styles, showcasing Barber's versatility as a composer. Whether you're drawn to the lyrical melodies of his symphonies, the intricate orchestrations of his essays for orchestra, or the dramatic intensity of his operatic works, this collection has something to captivate every classical music enthusiast. The inclusion of lesser-known pieces, such as "The School for Scandal" and the "Medea Suite," offers a deeper appreciation for Barber's extensive repertoire.
This meticulously curated collection is a treasure trove for both seasoned fans and newcomers to Samuel Barber's music. The recordings, spanning over three hours, are a testament to the composer's enduring legacy and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. With its rich historical context and exceptional musical quality, this album is an essential addition to any classical music library.
Tracks
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act I: Potage creme aux perles (Erika)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act I: No, I cannot understand (Vanessa)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act I: Must the winter come so soon? (Erika)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act I: Listen! … they are here (Erika)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act I: Do not utter a word, Anatol (Vanessa)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act I: Yes, I believe I shall love you (Anatol)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act I: Who are you? (Erika)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act II: And then? (Baroness)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act II: No, you are not as good a skater… (Vanessa)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act II: Under the willow tree (Doctor)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act II: Erika, I am so happy (Vanessa)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act II: Our arms entwinedSamuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act II: Did you hear her? (Erika)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act II: Outside this house the world has changed (Anatol)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act II: Orchestral Interlude - HymnSamuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: The Count and Countess d'Albany (Baroness)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: I should never have been a doctor (Doctor)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: Here you are! (Vanessa)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: At last I've found you (Anatol)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: Nothing to worry about (Doctor)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: Why did no one warn me? (Vanessa)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: Why must the greatest sorrows (Vanessa)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III Scene 1: There, look! (Doctor)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: Anatol, tell me the truth! (Vanessa)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act IV: Take me awaySamuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: Grandmother! - Yes, Erika (Erika)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: IntermezzoSamuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: By the time we arrive (Anatol)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: For every love there is a last farewell (Doctor)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: And you, my friend (Vanessa)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act IV: Quintet: To leave, to breakSamuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Vanessa, Op. 32: Act III: Goodbye, be happy, Aunt Vanessa (Erika)Samuel Barber, Eleanor Steber, Nicolai Gedda, Rosalind Elias, Regina Resnik, Giorgio Tozzi, George Cehanovsky, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Medea Suite, Op. 23: I. ParodosSamuel Barber, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Medea Suite, Op. 23: II. Choros: Medea and Jason - III. The Young Princess, JasonSamuel Barber, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Medea Suite, Op. 23: IV. ChorosSamuel Barber, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Medea Suite, Op. 23: V. MedeaSamuel Barber, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Medea Suite, Op. 23: VI. Kantikos AgoniasSamuel Barber, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Medea Suite, Op. 23: VII. ExodosSamuel Barber, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Medea's Meditation and Dance of Vengeance, Op. 23aSamuel Barber, New York Philharmonic, Dimitri Mitropoulos
The School for Scandal, Op. 5Samuel Barber, Los Angeles Janssen Symphony Orchestra, Werner Janssen
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9: I. Allegro ma non troppoSamuel Barber, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Artur Rodzinski
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9: II. Allegro moltoSamuel Barber, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Artur Rodzinski
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9: III. Andante tranquilloSamuel Barber, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Artur Rodzinski
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9: IV. Con motoSamuel Barber, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Artur Rodzinski
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 (revised version): I. Allegro ma non troppoSamuel Barber, New York Philharmonic, Bruno Walter
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 (revised version): II. Allegro moltoSamuel Barber, New York Philharmonic, Bruno Walter
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 (revised version): III. Andante tranquilloSamuel Barber, New York Philharmonic, Bruno Walter
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 (revised version): IV. Con motoSamuel Barber, New York Philharmonic, Bruno Walter
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