Experience the enchanting vocals of Barbara Hendricks in this captivating 1995 release, "Copland: Quiet City." This album, released under Warner Classics, is a harmonious blend of opera and classical genres, spanning a total duration of one hour and three minutes. Hendricks' powerful and expressive voice takes center stage, accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas.
The album opens with Aaron Copland's evocative "Quiet City," followed by a series of eight poems by Emily Dickinson, beautifully set to music. Each poem is a testament to Hendricks' ability to convey deep sentiment and introspection. The album also features Samuel Barber's iconic "Adagio for Strings" and "Knoxville: Summer of 1915," showcasing Hendricks' versatility and range.
Hendricks' performance is marked by her clear articulation and nuanced interpretation of the text, making each piece a standalone masterclass in vocal artistry. The instrumental works, including Copland's "Quiet City" and Barber's "Adagio for Strings," provide a rich tapestry of sound that complements Hendricks' vocals perfectly. This album is a testament to Hendricks' enduring talent and her ability to bring depth and meaning to every piece she performs.