Barbara Harbach's "Music of Barbara Harbach, Vol. 11: Orchestral Music III - Portraits in Sound" is a captivating journey through her symphonic works, released on MSR Classics in 2016. This album showcases Harbach's prowess in composing orchestral music, with a diverse range of symphonies that draw inspiration from literature and social themes.
The album opens with her Symphony No. 7 "O Pioneers!", a three-movement work inspired by Willa Cather's novel of the same name. Each movement explores different aspects of the pioneer spirit, from conflict to love and perseverance. Following this, Symphony No. 8 "The Scarlet Letter" delves into Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, with movements named after key characters: Hester, Chillingworth, and Dimmesdale.
Harbach's Symphony No. 9 "Celestial Symphony" offers a spiritual journey through three movements: "The Annunciation," "Celestial Vaults," and "Temptations." The album concludes with Symphony No. 10 "Symphony for Ferguson," a poignant response to the social unrest in Ferguson, Missouri. This symphony is dedicated to the heroes, the fallen, and the hope for harmony.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, this album is a testament to Barbara Harbach's ability to blend literary narratives with orchestral music, creating a compelling and thought-provoking listening experience.
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