Vanessa - Samuel Barber
Information about the opera Vanessa by Samuel Barber, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
A profound and moving opera - American verismo.
Recommended recordings on CD
Slatkin/Brewer/Burden (Chandos CHSA 5032)
This new recording is now the best available.
BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Slatkin, 2003.
Cast: Christine Brewer (Vanessa), William Burden (Anatol), Susan Graham (Erika).
Chandos CHSA 5032
Rose/Chickering/Bauwens (Naxos 8 669140-41)
An excellent recording of Barber's revised version of the opera.
Ukrainian National Capella 'Dumka', Ukraine National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gil Rose.
Cast: Ellen Chickering (Vanessa), Ray Bauwens (Anatol), Andrea Matthews (Erika).
Naxos 8 669140-41