Leon McCawley’s previous release of works by Chopin on SOMM (SOMM0103) was warmly received by both public and press. Here he re-visits the piano repertoire of Barber which he recorded on Virgin in 1997. He feels that he can now offer a more mature insight and deeper understanding of the composer’s intentions. The centrepiece of the recital is the monumental Piano Sonata Op.26, one of the great masterworks of 20th century piano music.
Barber: Three Sketches: 1. Love Song
Barber: Three Sketches: 2. To My Steinway
Barber: Three Sketches: 3. Minuet
Barber: Souvenirs, Op. 28: I. Waltz
Barber: Souvenirs, Op. 28: II. Schottische
Barber: Souvenirs, Op. 28: III. Pas de deux
Barber: Souvenirs, Op. 28: IV. Two-step
Barber: Souvenirs, Op. 28: V. Hesitation-Tango
Barber: Souvenirs, Op. 28: VI. Galop
Barber: Interlude I
Barber: Interlude II
Barber: Excursions, Op. 20 : I. Un poco allegro
Barber: Excursions, Op. 20 : II. In slow blues tempo
Barber: Excursions, Op. 20 : III Allegretto
Barber: Excursions, Op. 20 : IV. Allegro molto
Barber: Nocturne, Op. 33
Barber: Sonata for Piano, Op. 26: Allegro energico
Barber: Sonata for Piano, Op. 26: Allegro vivace e leggiero
Barber: Sonata for Piano, Op. 26: Adaagio mesto
Barber: Sonata for Piano, Op. 26: Allegro con spirito
Barber: Ballade, Op. 46
November 2011
***
“The 1977 Ballade is the best beneficiary, given a worried grandiloquence that stretches the work's significance beyond its modest span...But this CD can be cherished for McCawley's Ballade, and for gathering Barber's piano output into one place.”
November 2011
“McCawley takes the first movement slower than some pianists but he makes its points intelligently rather than resorting to a kind of non-stop pyrotechnical display. The Scherzo sparkles; the Adagio is impeccably paced through its anguished climax; and McCawley makes light of the difficulties of the final fugure as its catchy subject is put through its manic paces...McCawley delivers everything magnificently...This is now the CD to get of Barber's music.”
7th August 2011
***
“McCawley’s powerful account reminds one agreeably of the argument’s sinew and scope, the structure with its driven first movement, incisive scherzo, melancholy adagio and dazzling fugal finale oddly evoking Walton’s first symphony.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
Barber: Three Sketches: 1. Love Song
