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.
