Essential Barber

Barber, Walton, Bloch: Violin Concertos : Why? This marvelous recording was the 1998 Gramophone Concerto Award Winner. Joshua Bell's passionate playing, full of tender poetry, is well matched by the excellent orchestra, brilliantly recorded. MP3 available.

Barber: Concerto for violin Op14; Korngold: Much Ado about Nothing Op11 : Why? Gil Shahams performance stands above all others and garnered the coveted Penguin Rosette. A bold and tender performance and top notch recording. MP3 available.

Barber: Adagio for Strings, Op. 11/Orchestral Music; Leonard Slatkin : Why? A splendid anthology of excellent modern recordings of some of Barber's most rewarding music. Includes all three Essays as well as School for Scandal superbly played and recorded. Budget priced! MP3 available.