Barber: Everything but the Hermit

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Samuel Barber's "Everything but the Hermit," a captivating collection of songs for voice and piano released in 2001. This album, featuring a diverse array of compositions, showcases Barber's mastery of melody and harmony, offering a rich tapestry of musical experiences that span various moods and themes.

The album begins with a selection of Barber's early works, including pieces from his "4 Songs, Op. 13" and "3 Songs, Op. 2," which demonstrate his burgeoning talent and sensitivity to text. As the album progresses, it delves into more mature compositions, such as "Mélodies Passagères, Op. 27" and "Despite and Still, Op. 41," which reveal Barber's deep emotional resonance and intricate musical structures.

Each song on "Everything but the Hermit" is a testament to Barber's ability to evoke vivid imagery and profound emotions through his music. From the serene beauty of "Sure on this shining night" to the haunting melancholy of "Despite and Still," the album offers a comprehensive overview of Barber's songwriting prowess.

Recorded under the Koch International Classics label, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, with a total duration of 56 minutes. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Samuel Barber or a newcomer to his work, "Everything but the Hermit" promises an enriching and rewarding listening experience.

Samuel Barber, one of the most celebrated American composers of the 20th century, is renowned for his lyrical and emotionally expressive music that bridges the gap between the Romantic era and modernism. Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Barber showed prodigious musical talent from a young age, studying composition with Rosario Scalero at the Curtis Institute and later with his uncle, composer Sidney Homer. His works, such as the iconic "Adagio for Strings" and the opera "Vanessa," are staples of the classical repertoire, showcasing his mastery of traditional harmonic language and formal structure. Barber's compositions often evoke deep emotions, with a rich harmonic palette and rhythmic complexity that captivates audiences. Despite the experimental trends of his time, Barber remained rooted in the Romantic tradition, earning him the title of the "last great American Romantic." His collaborations with Gian Carlo Menotti and his profound influence on classical music solidify his legacy as a composer of unparalleled expressiveness and lyricism.