Samuel Barber: Symphony No. 1 / Amy Beach: Symphony in E Minor (Gaelic)

Although this release has the Barber coming first, the standout here is the Symphony in E-minor (Gaelic) by Amy Beach. (The two Barber pieces are done not so sluggishly elsewhere.) Beach lived from 1867 to 1944 and her Symphony in E minor sparkles with a unique musical personality. She is, though, influenced by the German symphonists of the latter end of the 19th century (and probably Dvorák, whom she greatly admired, as well). Still, Jarvi takes the Detroit Symphony Orchestra skillfully and reverentially through this 47-minute work. Not a great symphony, but one with enough insight to make it worthwhile. --Paul Cook