Samuel Barber: Orchestral Works, Vol.1 / Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 [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.

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.

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.