Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical music with Sir John Barbirolli's "Potpourri," a meticulously curated collection of 54 enchanting pieces spanning a rich musical heritage. Released on July 27, 2025, under the prestigious Warner Classics label, this album is a testament to Barbirolli's unparalleled artistry and his profound connection with the classical repertoire.
Spanning nearly five hours, "Potpourri" offers a diverse journey through the works of legendary composers such as Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and many more. From the stirring overtures of Verdi to the delicate serenades of Elgar, each track is a masterclass in orchestral brilliance. The album features iconic pieces like "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by Sousa, the hauntingly beautiful "Valse triste" by Sibelius, and the dramatic "Dance of the Hours" from Ponchielli's "La Gioconda."
Sir John Barbirolli, renowned for his warmth and generosity as a conductor, brings a unique depth and sensitivity to each performance. His interpretations are not just technically impeccable but also deeply expressive, capturing the essence of each composition with unmatched nuance. Whether it's the lyrical beauty of Grieg's "Lyric Suite" or the grandeur of Mahler's "Kindertotenlieder," Barbirolli's conducting shines through, making this album a true celebration of classical music.
"Potpourri" is not just an album; it's a comprehensive exploration of Sir John Barbirolli's illustrious career, showcasing his ability to breathe new life into both well-known and lesser-known works. The album's extensive tracklist, featuring compositions from the Baroque to the Romantic era, offers something for every classical music enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this collection promises to enrich and inspire.
Experience the magic of Sir John Barbirolli's "Potpourri," a timeless treasure trove of classical masterpieces that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
J. Strauss II: Champagner-Polka, Op. 211Johann Strauss II, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust, Op. 24, H 111: Danse des sylphesHector Berlioz, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Grieg: 4 Norwegian Dances, Op. 35: No. 2 in A Major, Allegretto tranquillo e graziosoEdvard Grieg, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Sousa: The Stars and Stripes ForeverJohn Philip Sousa, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Rimsky Korsakov: Spanish Capriccio, Op. 34: I. AlboradaNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Falla / Orch. Halffter: 7 Canciones populares españolas: No. 1, El paño morunoManuel de Falla, Sir John Barbirolli, Marina de Gabaráin, Hallé
Mahler: Rückert-Lieder: No. 2, Ich atmet' einen linden Duft!Gustav Mahler, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, New Philharmonia Orchestra
Benjamin & Cimarosa: Oboe Concerto in C Minor: III. SicilianaArthur Benjamin, Domenico Cimarosa, Sir John Barbirolli, Evelyn Rothwell, Pro Arte Orchestra
Grieg: Suite No. 1 from Peer Gynt, Op. 46: III. Anitra's DanceEdvard Grieg, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 60: V. Le Jardin féeriqueMaurice Ravel, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
J. Strauss II: Unter Donner und Blitz, Op. 324Johann Strauss II, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act 3: Lament. "When I Am Laid in Earth" (Dido)Henry Purcell, Sir John Barbirolli, Victoria de los Ángeles, English Chamber Orchestra
Grieg: Lyric Suite, Op. 54: IV. March of the DwarfsEdvard Grieg, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48: II. Valse. ModeratoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir John Barbirolli, London Symphony Orchestra
Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry "Londonderry Air"Percy Grainger, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Elgar: Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Op. 20: I. Allegro piacevoleEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Sinfonia Of London
Gounod: Petite Symphonie in B-Flat for 9 Wind Instruments: III. ScherzoCharles Gounod, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Vaughan Williams / Orch. Greaves: Fantasia on GreensleevesRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Sinfonia Of London
Puccini: Madama Butterfly, Act 2: "Un bel dì vedremo" (Butterfly)Giacomo Puccini, Sir John Barbirolli, Renata Scotto, Orchestra Del Teatro Dell'Opera Di Roma
Massenet: Suite d'orchestre No. 7 "Scènes alsaciennes": III. Sous les tilleulsJules Massenet, Sir John Barbirolli, Pat Ryan, Oliver Vella, Hallé
Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 1, Slumber SongEdward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: Symphony No. 96 in D Major, Hob. I:96 "The Miracle": III. MenuettoJoseph Haydn, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Sibelius: 2 Pieces from Kuolema, Op. 44: No. 1, Valse tristeJean Sibelius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Mahler: Kindertotenlieder: No. 4, Oft denk' ich, sie sind nur augesgengen!Gustav Mahler, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker, Hallé
Glazunov: Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 82: IV. AnimandoAlexander Glazunov, Sir John Barbirolli, Jascha Heifetz, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Verdi: La forza del destino: OvertureGiuseppe Verdi, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Handel: Organ Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 7 No. 1, HWV 306: IV. Bourrée. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir John Barbirolli, Eric Chadwick, Hallé
Dvorak: Serenade for Wind Instruments in D Minor, Op. 44, B. 77: II. MinuettoAntonín Dvořák, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: III. Rondo. Allegro - CadenzaJoseph Haydn, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Chabrier: EspañaEmmanuel Chabrier, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Vieuxtemps: Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 31: II. Andante religiosoHenri Vieuxtemps, Sir John Barbirolli, Jascha Heifetz, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Ponchielli: La Gioconda, Op. 9, Act 3: Dance of the HoursAmilcare Ponchielli, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Delius: 2 Pieces for Small Orchestra: No. 2, Summer Night on the RiverFrederick Delius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Brahms: Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90: III. Poco allegrettoJohannes Brahms, Sir John Barbirolli, Wiener Philharmoniker
Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K. 219 "Turkish": III. Tempo di menuettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sir John Barbirolli, Jascha Heifetz, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: Oboe Concerto in A Minor: I. Rondo pastorale. Allegro moderatoRalph Vaughan Williams, Sir John Barbirolli, Evelyn Rothwell, London Symphony Orchestra
Saint-Saëns: Havanaise, Op. 83Camille Saint-Saëns, Sir John Barbirolli, Jascha Heifetz, London Symphony Orchestra
Wagner: Lohengrin, Act 1: PreludeRichard Wagner, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Sibelius: Lemminkäinen Suite, Op. 22 "Legends of the Kalevala": No. 2, The Swan of TuonelaJean Sibelius, Sir John Barbirolli, Eric Fletcher, Hallé
Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: I. Adagio - ModeratoEdward Elgar, Jacqueline du Pré, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Weber: Euryanthe, Op. 81, J. 291: OvertureCarl Maria von Weber, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Debussy: Nocturnes, CD 98, L. 91: No. 1, NuagesClaude Debussy, Sir John Barbirolli, Orchestre de Paris
Lehár: Gold und Silber, Op. 79Franz Lehár, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Albinoni: Oboe Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 7 No. 3: I. AllegroTomaso Albinoni, Sir John Barbirolli, Evelyn Rothwell, Pro Arte Orchestra
Schumann: Violin Concerto in D Minor, WoO 23: III. Lebhaft doch nicht schnellRobert Schumann, Sir John Barbirolli, Yehudi Menuhin, New York Philharmonic
Sibelius: Pohjola's Daughter, Op. 49Jean Sibelius, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Bach, JS: Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, BWV 208 "Hunt Cantata": Aria. "Schafe können sicher weiden" (Orch. Barbirolli)Johann Sebastian Bach, Sir John Barbirolli, Hallé
Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21: III. Allegro vivaceFrédéric Chopin, Sir John Barbirolli, Arthur Rubinstein, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Cockaigne Overture, Op. 40 "In London Town"Edward Elgar, Sir John Barbirolli, Philharmonia Orchestra