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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
There's more to Barber than his Adagio for Strings--hijacked by the movies as a universal anthem for wartime angst--so it's great to hear these lesser-known works. His output, particularly the smaller-scale works, offer rich rewards. The overture to Sheridan's witty comedy The School for Scandal is a delightful romp with meandering melodies that conjure up images of wagon trains on the prairie while the haunting expansive theme of the Essay echoes the mood of the Adagio and is not easily forgotten.
Barber's symphonies are somewhat uneven in quality, mainly because of his extensive revisions, and veer from the amazing to the mundane. Alsop and the RSNO create a lustrous sound and the first symphony in particular gives the cracking brass section ample opportunity to show off. It's Sibelian-like qualities couldn't be more different from the second, sounding uncannily like Britten's Peter Grimes written two years earlier in 1942. --Susan Nickalls
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Marin Alsop makes Barber fly in a way no other conductor can. The RSNO gives a haunting performance and this is one of the best recordings of a Barber symphony - ever! Their performance of the Adagio for Strings in March induced tears. This CD is a must in any classical collection.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is another Naxos gem in a rapidly growing list. At one time Naxos recordings were too often let down by some fairly rough playing/interpretations, poor recording, or both! Happily this is almost a thing of the past, and as far as this performance and production is concerned, it is easily the equivalent (or better) than any full-price rival. Alsop really makes the strings of the Royal Scottish shimmer and sing with a luminous intensity, while the production gives a lustrous richness to the performance. There is really no better way to sit back in the comfort of your home and slip into some very tasty Barber indeed.
Both symphonies clearly benefit from this approach, as does the 'School for Scandal'overture, with the work appearing much more tightly orchestrated, and with a momentum which appears just right. But perhaps the hidden gem here, and the acid test of the musical performance, is the 'Essay for Orchestra', a delightful miniature which glitters throughout a wonderfully lively and inspired performance. These performances come highly recommended in Gramophone, BBC and Penguin Guides, the latter awarding a coveted 'rosette', while this was also editor's choice in Gramophone. Convinced?
A superb bargain.
Both symphonies clearly benefit from this approach, as does the 'School for Scandal'overture, with the work appearing much more tightly orchestrated, and with a momentum which appears just right. But perhaps the hidden gem here, and the acid test of the musical performance, is the 'Essay for Orchestra', a delightful miniature which glitters throughout a wonderfully lively and inspired performance. These performances come highly recommended in Gramophone, BBC and Penguin Guides, the latter awarding a coveted 'rosette', while this was also editor's choice in Gramophone. Convinced?
A superb bargain.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
24 reviews
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
What a pleasant surprise!
8 Jun 2005
Format:Audio CD
I went into a local bookstore to buy a new Mahler 6 recording, but realized I only had 11 dollars left on my giftcard, so I disappointedly decided to search for something else. I came across this disc and upon seeing the price, I thought it would be worth a listen. This is without a doubt one of the best bargains I have ever come across. The School for Scandal is solid and provides a nice appetizer for the incredible First Symphony. There were several occasions in the First Symphony that I was so speechless, I could do nothing else but laugh. The wild conclusion of the first movement ultimately ending with a swift plunge blew me away. The soloist in the last movement plays beautifully and the conclusion of the piece is plenty powerful. Tempo is perfect throughout, never too brisk of a pace, yet never lethargic. A perfect depth of sound and brilliant playing throughout make this symphony alone worth the price of the disc. The orchestra plays with such warmth, but the players can also take off their gloves and hit you across the face when the music calls for it. I simply can't say enough about this one.
While probably just tossed in as filler material, I was actually blown away by the beauty of the First Essay. This is one of the most underrated pieces I can think of, as I constantly find something new within its deep textures. I can't seem to understand why this is the least famous of Barber's set of Three Essays. I actually much prefer it to the other Essays and would love to see it rise in popularity to get the attention it deserves. It is some of the greatest string writing you will ever come across and the long, sorrowful melody will stick in your head for days. I can't imagine it being played any richer than you will hear on this disc... simply breathtaking.
While not as popular in comparison to the First Symphony, Barber's Second Symphony is also very intriguing. Alsop and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra also do a fine job with this symphony. The strings are wonderfully icy throughout many passages and the brass and the thunderous timpani in the finale of this symphony are also worth mentioning. In one particular instance, it sounds as if the guy gave up on his mallets and is hitting the timpani with a sequoia tree instead. And as many of you out there know, there are very few things in this world better to drive a piece of music home than the sound of powerful brass combined with an explosive timpani. While probably not as good as the First, the Second Symphony still is a great piece of music worthy of a good listening.
Simply stated, this is one of my favorite discs that I own and undoubtedly one of the best discs on the market under 10 bucks.
While probably just tossed in as filler material, I was actually blown away by the beauty of the First Essay. This is one of the most underrated pieces I can think of, as I constantly find something new within its deep textures. I can't seem to understand why this is the least famous of Barber's set of Three Essays. I actually much prefer it to the other Essays and would love to see it rise in popularity to get the attention it deserves. It is some of the greatest string writing you will ever come across and the long, sorrowful melody will stick in your head for days. I can't imagine it being played any richer than you will hear on this disc... simply breathtaking.
While not as popular in comparison to the First Symphony, Barber's Second Symphony is also very intriguing. Alsop and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra also do a fine job with this symphony. The strings are wonderfully icy throughout many passages and the brass and the thunderous timpani in the finale of this symphony are also worth mentioning. In one particular instance, it sounds as if the guy gave up on his mallets and is hitting the timpani with a sequoia tree instead. And as many of you out there know, there are very few things in this world better to drive a piece of music home than the sound of powerful brass combined with an explosive timpani. While probably not as good as the First, the Second Symphony still is a great piece of music worthy of a good listening.
Simply stated, this is one of my favorite discs that I own and undoubtedly one of the best discs on the market under 10 bucks.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Masterfully lush, like an ocean or thunderstorm
19 April 2005
Format:Audio CD
This disc is by far the most beloved of my collection. Nothing has ever pushed me to the brink of emotional explosion like the First Symphony has as it is played here. Absolutely gives me chills. The chaconne of the final movement (though the symphony is played as one large movement) is haunting. I only wish I could share it with everybody. Now, that having been said, you'll likely find The School for Scandal Overture to be a little more accessible. It too is fascinating. As are the Essay and the Second Symphony, which is particularly well played. For the price, this is an amazing treat. As others have mentioned, this disc really shows that Barber was much more than a one-hit-wonder (referring to his oft-played 'Adagio for Strings'). He can really pack a punch, so to speak. And that's all I have to say about that.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Lush
20 Sep 2004
Format:Audio CD
Since I do not have the formal musical training which would allow me to comment on the technical virtues of this performance, I can say, without regret, that this is your best bet for the price. The First Symphony is a lush, one movement masterpiece. The Second Symphony, sadly disowned by the composer, is also worthy of further performance. And the First Essay for Orchestra and the School for Scandal are more than worthy fillers. The sound quality matches Barber's music for lushness. The price is unbeatable. The performance of the First Symphony, at least, matches that of a full priced version performed by Leonard Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony and released on RCA. Romantic, elegant, emotional, and tasteful.
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