Samuel Barber: An American Romantic is a captivating classical album that showcases the esteemed composer's most revered works. Released on 23 October 2012 by Harmonia Mundi, this exquisite collection spans 1 hour and 19 minutes, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in Barber's distinctive soundscapes.
The album presents a thoughtfully curated selection of pieces, including the enchanting 'Twelfth Night, Op. 42, No. 1' and the poignant 'To be sung on the water, Op. 42, No. 2'. The 'Reincarnations, Op. 16' suite is also featured, comprising three movements that demonstrate Barber's mastery of lyrical expression. Additionally, the album includes 'A Stopwatch and an Ordnance Map, Op. 15', 'Sure on this shining night, Op. 13, No. 3', and the sublime 'Agnus Dei'.
A highlight of the album is the arrangement of 'The Lovers, Op. 43' by Kyr, which comprises nine movements that explore the depths of human emotion. This work is complemented by the 'Easter Chorale (Chorale for Ascension Day), Op. 43', also arranged by Kyr. Throughout the album, Samuel Barber's unique blend of romanticism and modernity is on full display, cementing his reputation as one of the most important American composers of the 20th century. With its rich textures and emotional resonance, Samuel Barber: An American Romantic is a must-listen for fans of classical music.
To be sung on the water, Op. 42, No. 2Samuel Barber, Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson
The virgin martyrs, Op. 8, No. 1Samuel Barber, Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson
Let down the bars, O Death, Op. 8, No. 2Samuel Barber, Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson
Reincarnations, Op. 16: I. Mary HynesSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson
Reincarnations, Op. 16: II. Anthony O'DalySamuel Barber, Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson
Reincarnations, Op. 16: III. The Coolin'Samuel Barber, Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson
A Stopwatch and an Ordnance Map, Op. 15Samuel Barber, Conspirare, Matt Tresler, Thomas Burritt, Craig Hella Johnson
Sure on this shining night, Op. 13, No. 3Samuel Barber, Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson, Faith Debow
Agnus DeiSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): PreludeSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): I. Body of a womanSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson, David Farwig
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): II. Lithe girl, brown girlSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): III. In the hot depth of this summerSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): IV. Close your eyesSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): V. The Fortunate IslesSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson, Estelí Gomez, Derek Chester
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): VI. SometimesSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson, David Farwig, Estelí Gomez, Derek Chester
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): VII. We have lost even this twilightSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson, David Farwig
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): VIII. Tonight I can writeSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson
The Lovers, Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr): IX. Cemetery of kissesSamuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson
Easter Chorale (Chorale for Ascension Day), Op. 43 (Arr. Kyr)Samuel Barber, Conspirare, Conspirare Chamber Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson