Symphony No. 1 In One Movement, Op. 9 / Overture To "The School For Scandal" / Adagio For Strings / Essay For Orchestra, No. 1

Released in 1957 as part of the Mercury Living Presence series, this recording captures the Eastman-Rochester Orchestra under the baton of Howard Hanson performing four quintessential works by Samuel Barber. The album served as a significant showcase for Barber's neoclassical and lyrical American voice, pairing his emotionally resonant Adagio for Strings with his more structural orchestral essays. Mercury Records chose to record these sessions in the Eastman Theatre, utilizing their signature single-microphone technique to preserve the natural spatial acoustics of the hall.

The production was helmed by Wilma Cozart Fine, the legendary Mercury producer known for her uncompromising commitment to sonic fidelity and orchestral clarity. The design reflects the mid-century aesthetic of the Mercury Living Presence label, characterized by stark, minimalist typography and an emphasis on technical precision. Upon release, the recording was praised by critics for its dynamic range and for Hanson’s nuanced interpretation, which successfully balanced the intensity of the Symphony No. 1 with the delicate, melancholic textures of the Adagio.