Born in London of Italian-French parents, Sir John Barbirolli (1899–1970) trained as a cellist and played in theatre and café orchestras before joining the Queen’s Hall Orchestra under Sir Henry Wood in 1916. His conducting career began with the formation of his own orchestra in 1924, and between 1926 and 1933 he was active as an opera conductor at Covent Garden and elsewhere. Orchestral appointments followed: the Scottish Orchestra (1933–36), the New York Philharmonic (1936–42), the Hallé Orchestra (1943–70) and the Houston Symphony (1961–67). Barbirolli guest conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras and was especially admired as an interpreter of the music of Mahler, Sibelius, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Delius, Puccini and Verdi. He made many outstanding recordings, including the complete Brahms and Sibelius symphonies, as well as operas by Verdi and Puccini and much English repertoire.
Barbirolli was a late convert to the music of Gustav Mahler. He had first come across it in 1930 when the Fourth Symphony, as heard for the first time at somebody else’s rehearsal, struck him as being thin, certainly by comparison with Berlioz and Wagner. After some early excursions at the beginning of his career – such as in 1931, when he conducted the Kindertotenlieder for Elena Gerhardt at a Royal Philharmonic Society concert in London – Mahler scarcely even figured in his programmes until 1946, when he included Das Lied von der Erde in his third season with the Halle Orchestra. Then in 1952 his friend, the critic Neville Cardus, recalling that Sir Hamilton Harty had given England its first hearing of the Ninth Symphony during his reign as Hallé conductor (1920–33), urged Barbirolli to consider conducting it himself. It was, said Cardus, “the ideal work” for him. Two years later the thing happened: moreover, that first-ever performance by Barbirolli of a Mahler symphony opened the floodgates to a 16-year period in which he embraced them all save No.8. The First, Fifth, Sixth and Ninth he subsequently recorded commercially, and radio recordings of several of the others have also appeared on CD.
The symphonies preoccupied Barbirolli for the rest of his life, possibly even to the detriment of his health, as the vast periods of time he spent studying them had to be squeezed into an already hopelessly overcrowded schedule. He reckoned that mastering a Mahler symphony took between 18 months and two years, and he would spend hours meticulously bowing all the string parts in preparation for his performances. “If you want to conduct Mahler well his music must be under your skin and in your bones”, he said, adding: “It is a joy to me in my advancing years that I have found something which […] is of such mighty dimensions. Of course, it does not take two years to read these scores, but if you prepare for a journey through such immeasurably wide musical spheres, you must know exactly where the musical ideas begin and where they end and how each fits into the pattern of the whole […].” To this end he spent several days in 1956 memorizing the choral finale of the Second Symphony, despite the fact that his first attempt upon it was not scheduled until May 1958.
Tracklist
1. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Una vela! Una vela! Un vessillo… ” (Ciprioti, Montano, Cassio, Iago, Roderigo)
2. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Esultate!” (Otello, Ciprioti)
3. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Roderigo, ebben che pensi?” (Iago, Roderigo)
4. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Fuoco di gioa!…” (Ciprioti)
5. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Roderigo, beviam!” (Iago, Cassio, Ciprioti, Roderigo)
6. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Inaffia l’ugola” (Iago, Cassio, Roderigo; Ciprioti)
7. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Capitano, v’attende la fazione si baluardi” (Montano, Cassio, Iago, Roderigo, Ciprioti)
8. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Abbasso le spade!” (Otello, Iago, Cassio, Montano)
9. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Già nella note densa…” (Otello, Desdemona)
10. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Quando narravi” – “Venga la morte!” (Otello, Desdemona)
11. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Non ti crucciar” (Iago, Cassio)
12. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Vanne, la tua metà già vedo” (Iago)
13. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Credo in un Dio crudel” (Iago)
14. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act I: “Eccola… Cassio… a te” (Iago)
15. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act II: “Ciò m’accora” – “Che parli?” (Iago, Otello)
16. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act II: “Dove guardi spendono raggi” (Ciprioti, Iago, Donne, Fanciulli, Marinai, Desdemona, Otello)
17. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act II: “D’un uom che geme sotto il tuo disdegno” (Desdemona, Otello)
18. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act II: “Se inconscia contro te, sposo…” (Desdemona, Otello)
19. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act II: “Desdemona rea!” (Otello, Iago)
20. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act II: “Ora e per sempre addio” (Otello, Iago)
21. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act II: “Era la notte” (Iago, Otello)
22. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act II: “Sì, pel ciel marmoreo giuro!” (Otello, Iago)
23. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “La vedetta del porto ha segnalato” (Araldo, Otello, Iago)
24. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Dio ti giocondi lo sguardo tuo tremendo” (Desdemona, Otello)
25. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Esterrefatta fisso” (Desdemona, Otello)
26. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Dio! Mio potevi scagliar” – “Ah! dannazione!” (Otello)
27. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Vieni, l’aula è deserta” (Iago, Cassio, Otello)
28. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Questa è una ragna” (Iago, Cassio, Otello)
29. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Come la ucciderò” (Otello, Iago, Ciprioti)
30. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Viva! Evviva! Viva il Leon di San Marco!” (Coro, Lodovico, Otello, Desdemona, Emilia, Iago)
31. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Messeri! Il Doge” (Otello, Roderigo, Iago, Lodovico)
32. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “A terra! … sì … nil livido fango” (Desdemona, Emilia, Cassio, Roderigo, Lodovico, Iago, Otello, Damme, Cavalieri, Ciprioti)
33. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Fuggirmi io sol non so … Sangue!” (Otello, Iago, Ciprioti)
34. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Era più calmo?” (Emilia, Desdemona)
35. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Mia madre aveva una povera ancella” (Desdemona)
36. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Piangea cantando nell’erma landa” (Emilia, Desdemona)
37. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Ave Maria, piena di grazia” (Desdemona)
38. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Chi è là? Otello?” (Desdemona, Otello)
39. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Aprite! Aprite!” (Emilia, Desdemona, Otello)
40. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Qual grida! Orror! Orror!” (Cassio, Lodovico, Iago, Emilia, Montano, Otello)
41. James McCracken, Gwyneth Jones, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, New Philharmonia Orchestra & Sir John Barbirolli – Verdi: Otello, Act III: “Niun mi tema” (Otello, Cassio, Lodovico, Montano)
![Sir John Barbirolli - Elgar: Cello Concerto, Enigma Variations, Symphonies, Sea Pictures, The Dream of Gerontius… (2022) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]](https://i0.wp.com/imghd.xyz/images/2022/04/15/flo5kx4xrrsoa_600.jpg?resize=500%2C500&ssl=1 "Sir John Barbirolli - Elgar: Cello Concerto, Enigma Variations, Symphonies, Sea Pictures, The Dream of Gerontius… (2022) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]")
![Sir John Barbirolli - British Music. Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Delius, Purcell... (2024) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2024/04/14/hq2gvqyjmb1ab_600.jpg "Sir John Barbirolli - British Music. Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Delius, Purcell... (2024) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]")
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![Sir John Barbirolli - French Music. Debussy, Ravel, Chabrier, Berlioz... (2024) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2024/02/26/kb1s7x777011a_600.jpg "Sir John Barbirolli - French Music. Debussy, Ravel, Chabrier, Berlioz... (2024) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]")
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