In 1996, the young pianist Leon McCawley, crowned with his awards in the most prestigious competitions, recorded is debut album for Virgin Classics, entirely devoted to the music of Samuel Barber (whose piano monographies are quite rare). It includes the main works of Barber’s catalogue, excluding youth and occasional pieces: the Excursions throughout the American folk repertoire and the sonata, both premiered by Horowitz, the lovely salon pieces Souvenirs, a passionate Nocturne in the memory of John Field. © Warner Classics