Knoxville: Summer of 1915

Samuel Barber

Leontyne Price / Thomas Schippers / New Philharmonia Orchestra

1968

Top choice. A gorgeous and well-recorded rendition. Price sings with a full, beautiful voice and wonderful phrasing, backed by Schippers who was a specialist in Barber's music. This disc also includes her premiere of the Hermit Songs with Barber.

Sylvia McNair / Yoel Levi / Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

1991

An excellent newer version in clear Telarc sound. A very evocative and dreamy version; McNair sings intimately with beautiful warmth and character.

Лейбл: Telarc

Eleanor Steber / William Strickland / Dumbarton Oaks Chamber Orchestra

1950 Mono recording.

A recommendation from the work's dedicatee, Eleanor Steber. She sings with authority in a more operatic (but very musical) style. Fairly good mono sound.