Best Samuel Barber Violin Concerto


I heard this played today and loved it. What are some of the best regarded recordings of this piece available. Thanks
ecka
The Stern/Bernstein needs to be in every collection. But when I want to listen to this piece, I pull out the Gil Shaham. The performance is excellent and the sound betters the Stern/Bernstein. The Korngold concerto on this disc is a wonderful - also well performed.
I just listened to the McDuffie, Ricci, and Shaham versions back to back. Reminds me of the story of the "Three Bears".

Ricci's version is cool and the violin recorded at a distance, more atmospheric than focused. But I like the disc mate, the Menotti VC quite a bit. I filed this CD under Menotti.

Shaham's version is too hot, i.e. recorded (too) closely and the VC tone takes on a bit of edge. It is filed under Korngold, but it's got a lot of competition there as well.

McDuffie's recording is just right! The violin is miked but not too closely, sound field is large yet focussed, a very enjoyable sonic experience. Warm and rich. It matches the mood of this VC. And you get the Barber PC as well (which is why I bought it in the first place). I highly recommend it. Oh, BTW, I think McDuffie's performance is excellent as well. :-)

Another Barber VC to consider (for me an alternative to McDuffie's) is the Slatkin/Takezawa recording on RCA. Not as big boned perhaps as McDuffies but a plesant alternative none the less. An excellent performance and the disc mates are all Barber, the outstanding performance of the Cello concerto by Isseris, and the Cappricorn Concerto.

a recent addition.. James Ehnes came out with a recording of Barber, Walton and Korngold.. for what it matters.. it won a Grammy last year I believe. I have seen him perform several times.. mesmerizing ..