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.
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.