Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
This is a disc for the ages: here is American music, performed with mid-century flair, a moment never to be recaptured. Bernstein had an unparalleled feel for Rhapsody in Blue, and in this recording he brought it all home, doing full justice to the still-fresh, racy, moody, spontaneous, evocative score. His performance of the solo has a smoky, sultry jazziness to it, along with a brash exuberance; there is touching tenderness in the lullaby, a riveting dynamism in the fast pages. As constituted for this recording, the Columbia Symphony consisted of some superb pickup players. An American in Paris gets a wonderfully energetic and bracing performance, one that strikes a deft balance between intimacy and grandeur. The old New York Philharmonic incandescence comes through in every bar. The account of Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite is still the finest in the catalog. The sound has excellent presence and impact, although in the recording of the Rhapsody the violins lack bite, there is breakup in the extreme high range, and one get the sensation of "hole in the center" stereo. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Rhapsody In Blue
An American In Paris
Grand Canyon Suite: l. Sunrise
Grand Canyon Suite: ll. Painted Desert
Grand Canyon Suite: lll. On The Trail
Grand Canyon Suite: lV. Sunset
Grand Canyon Suite: V. Cloudburst

Amazon.com

Back in the 1950s and '60s, when George Gershwin was taken for granted more than he was respected, Leonard Bernstein was one of his only champions in high-classical-music circles, and to judge from these recordings, he got away with a lot. He would seem to be attempting to out-swagger Arthur Fiedler in the jazzier passages, but on the plus side, what can sound freeze-dried with some conductors has a welcome heat here, especially in An American in Paris. That piece receives one of its best-ever recordings and sounds great in the bright, clear recording venue, Brooklyn's Hotel St. George. However, Bernstein's tempo extremes tax the cohesion of Rhapsody in Blue. And Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite receives a sympathetic performance, though the acoustics of the Lincoln Center recording venue are so cavernous and diffuse you'd think it was recorded in the location of the title. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Two Great Gershwin Recordings.......2007-06-27

I first heard the recording of "An American in Paris" on the radio, and I immediately concluded that this was a recording I needed to order. I ordered this CD solely for the recording of "An American in Paris", everything else was a bonus. "An American in Paris" was worth the price of the whole CD, but so is "Rhapsody in Blue", which I believe could easily be the definitive recording of this great work. Grofé's "Grand Canyon Suite" is a pleasant bonus, but not the substance of this recording. I would highly recommend this recording.

Gershwin fan.......2007-04-01

I am, definitely, absolutely and totally sold on Gershwin, so there is no question as to whether this CD is good or not, since it has Gershwin's two "hits", Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris, it is good and enjoyable. I only feel that the Ferde Grofé part, though outstanding, is too overpowering vis-a-vis the Gershwin part. But it is definitely an OK CD, no question about it.

Sorry - it's not the best........2007-03-13

This recording is okay in many respsects...but many people (yours truly) find it lacking in something. Dare I say the interpretation is slightly off?

Sorry - there are better out there.

Two of LB's quintessential recordings.......2007-01-09

This bids fair to be the most famous recording of American music ever made, so it's strange for the Amazon reviewer to condescend to LB's readings of Gerhswin, only to call it one of his best. The more renowned recording is Rhapsody in Blue with Bernstein at the piano and a pickup orchestra--no doubt recruited form the NY Phil.--that's bigger than a jazz band but still lean. (Arthur Fiedler's version, also famous, is far more square.) If anything, the American in Paris recording is better; I can't imagine a more vibrant reading. The orchestration is more symphonic than the Rhapsody, but LB makes sure that the rhythms swing. A ollector could stop and buy no other readings, but the ones by Andre Previn on EMI have updated sound and also come across with jazz spirit. The filler here is Grofe's once-famous Grand Canyon Suite, a negligible piece of fluff with truding donkeys and a thunderstorm. LB does it proud, however; one wonders if he even had to rehearse it--probably not.

Brilliant is the word!.......2006-11-29

No other director in the history has achieved such expression level and plain domain of the idiomatic lexicon of George Gershwin as Bernstein did it. There are two main reason for it, his enormous talent and his condition as pianist.

So, Gershwin may be very grateful because of that because for the posterity , the future newcomers in music will have the chance to analyze, scrutinize and explore all the factors that made possible this testimonial.

Totally recommended.

Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris/Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite

Average customer rating:

Showcase
"Blue" from The Rhapsody"
An underrated pianist captured in recording to be treasured
Fantastic Recording
Fantastic!

Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris/Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Schubert: Piano Quintet "Trout"; Mozart: Clarinet Quintet

ASIN: B0000026FG
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Rhapsody In Blue
An American In Paris
Grand Canyon Suite: I - Sunrise
Grand Canyon Suite: II - Painted Desert
Grand Canyon Suite: III - On the Trail
Grand Canyon Suite: IV - Sunset
Grand Canyon Suite: V - Cloudburst

Amazon.com essential recording

This is a disc for the ages: here is American music, performed with mid-century flair, a moment never to be recaptured. Bernstein had an unparalleled feel for Rhapsody in Blue, and in this recording he brought it all home, doing full justice to the still-fresh, racy, moody, spontaneous, evocative score. His performance of the solo has a smoky, sultry jazziness to it, along with a brash exuberance; there is touching tenderness in the lullaby, a riveting dynamism in the fast pages. As constituted for this recording, the Columbia Symphony consisted of some superb pickup players. An American in Paris gets a wonderfully energetic and bracing performance, one that strikes a deft balance between intimacy and grandeur. The old New York Philharmonic incandescence comes through in every bar. The account of Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite is still the finest in the catalog. The sound has excellent presence and impact, although in the recording of the Rhapsody the violins lack bite, there is breakup in the extreme high range, and one get the sensation of "hole in the center" stereo. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Showcase.......2007-01-21

This album shows Gershwin, Grofe, Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic in characteristic form. Exemplary. Bernstein conducts with swagger and bravado. While I prefer Leonard Slatkin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and "American in Paris", I have lived a better life for having heard Bernstein's, too. I've listened to this recording many times.

"Blue" from The Rhapsody".......2003-03-25

I disliked the somewhat slowertempo, especially the piano's.I was furious over the disgustingmicrophone placement during thethe recording and/or remastering!End result: I had to turn volumneup during piano solo and when fullorchestra converged ... `KA-BOOM !!

An underrated pianist captured in recording to be treasured.......2002-09-02

Bernstein was a vastly underrated pianist. Here, the subtlety of his handling of the smallest semi-quavers is arresting. There are so many moments that catch the ear because of the directness and honesty of the playing. This is no standard bravura performance. Bernstein has no need to pound the cross-hand octaves or over-exaggerate the jazzy rhythms: they are rendered with character and a unique, personal insight. There is a freshness here forever captured by the great producer John McClure.

The Columbia pickup orchestra was often mostly the NY Philharmonic by another name. You will be hard-pressed to hear a difference with the sharp stylistic playing. This is no ordinary pickup ensemble. In the tone poem, the NY Philharmonic is outstanding. This ensemble, which within ten years from the time of this recording would deliver regular jaded live performances in Philharmonic Hall, was always incomparable in the recording studio. This is one hot orchestra - Lenny's band at its best. You will not find better performances of either the Rhapsody or "American In Paris."

On the negative side. This recording from the late 1950s was one of the first stereo efforts of Columbia Records and it suffers slightly with exaggerated, gimmicky stereo separation. Sadly, the editing is crude. There is an embarrassing insert at 6 minutes in with a radically different acoustical environment/mic placement and loud, distracting extraneous noises that seem to indicate the passage was taken either from a live performance or a warm-up mic test. Several entrances are cut late and jump in.

But overall, this recording is not to be missed - it is an historical document of an outstanding pianist and an American orchestra that could, when it wanted to, play better than any ensemble in the world. In spite of its flaws, this disc is a treasure to me.

I always hesitate to tell someone that any recording is a must have - but this one is firmly placed on my shortlist. Buy, Buy Buy. And enjoy!

Fantastic Recording.......2001-04-06

This is outstanding recording of three monumental American compositions: Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and Grand Canyon Suite.

The Rhapsody in Blue is outstanding. Especially solid in my opinion is the brass on this recording. Their sound is clear, not blaring and dominating as some do.

Grand Canyon Suite is thrilling rendition.

Worthy addition to your collection.

Fantastic!.......2000-07-06

The 'Rhapsody in Blue' conducted by Bernstein can truly reflect the kind of dynamic and spirit of the music. Every time I heard about it I want to stand up and dance according to its rhythm, melody and 'energy'...

Average customer rating:

Bernstein Conducts Gershwin

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000CD5GP
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

Rhapsody In Blue - Leonard Bernstein
An American In Paris - Leonard Bernstein
I. Sunrise
II. Painted Desert
III. On The Trail
IV. Sunset
V. Cloudburst
Prelude For The Brass - Benny Goodman
Fugue For The Saxes - Benny Goodman
Riffs For Everyone - Benny Goodman

Rhapsody in Blue / An American in Paris / Grand Canyon Suite [Stereo]

Average customer rating:

An evening to remember!
Magnificent - play it loud!
Good recording - NO MULTI-CHANNEL
Excellant Recording
disconnect your woofers before listening

Rhapsody in Blue / An American in Paris / Grand Canyon Suite [Stereo]

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B000044U18
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

Rhapsody In Blue - Leonard Bernstein
An American In Paris - Leonard Bernstein
I. Sunrise
II. Painted Desert
III. On The Trail
IV. Sunset
V. Cloudburst
Prelude For The Brass - Benny Goodman
Fugue For The Saxes - Benny Goodman
Riffs For Everyone - Benny Goodman

Customer Reviews:

An evening to remember!.......2006-01-25

I've waited a month for this recording to arrive - and can assure anyone that it was worth the wait!!! It is a re-recording of the 1959 &1958 performances of "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris" respectively, and a 1963 recording of the "Grand Canyon Suite." The Gershwin performances were recorded at the St. George Hotel in New York City, and are subject to a few moments of very minor rumble that are indeed subway noise (again, very minor and not noticeable unless you're listening for noise rather than music). Contrary to some reviews, I found the imperfection of the rumble to be a treat, enhancing the experience of sitting in the grand ballroom of a classic New York venue. The "Suite" is from the 1963 performance at Philharmonic Hall in New York City.

Owing to the age of the recordings, they are subject to a little bit of tape hiss from the original master, and are two-channel stereo at its finest. The recordings themselves are stunning, beautifully reproducing every vibration of the snares, the brightness of expansive brass sections, the presence of the harp, and the lustrous depth of a full complement of strings. The SACD version brings such detail to the music and overall performance that one can hear the gentle rustling among the orchestra in the Suite, and in every performance I felt as if I were center seat behind Bernstein himself.

The music itself and the symphonic performances in all three pieces are extraordinary! This rendition of the "Grand Canyon Suite" remains my favorite, though I own several other quality recordings of the same piece by different orchestras. As always, Bernstein masterfully inspires each instrument in the orchestra to achieve perfection, while the acoustics of the symphony hall lend perfect support. I can't say enough about my satisfaction with this recording. Good sound equipment and a comfortable seat will make this a performance worth repeating.

UPDATE: The Linksys is still going strong after a year. I set it up a year ago, and forgot about it. Even with the occasional power outage, I haven't touched it yet. Mine is on top of a book shelf and provides excellent coverage for myself and my neighbors, even through plaster and stucco walls. Linksys sells longer antennas for even better coverage, but my small city lot doesn't need them.

Magnificent - play it loud!.......2005-02-13

Yes, there is a little tape hiss and it's not multi-channel, but these recordings were 40 years old when this SACD was first released in 1999. Frankly, it's amazing that it's even in stereo. The recordings of Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris were made in a hotel in Brooklyn (I'm guessing in the ballroom). There's a little ambient noise in quiet passages, but the performances are superlative, and let's not forget who's waving the baton!

I'm sure you could make a technically perfect multi-channel recording by taking an orchestra to Abbey Road and spending hundreds of hours on the mixing, but it wouldn't have Bernstein at the helm and it wouldn't be recorded in New York City.

Buy this SACD. Play it loud, like a rock record. Feel the passion and intensity of the performances and enjoy some great American music.

Good recording - NO MULTI-CHANNEL.......2004-01-01

This was the first SACD I purchased. I was so excited until I put it in and it is only 2-channel. Great recording quality, but I was pretty disappointed it was not multi-channel.

Excellant Recording.......2002-12-10

I listened to this recording this evening and found it to be wonderful. No rumbling bass at all, like some buyers heard. The only rumbling I heard was from the kettle drums at the beginning of Rhapsody in Blue and they were supposed to be there. Rhapsody is wonderfuly performed, with some inventive tempos taken by Maestro Bernstein on the piano. American in Paris is sublime, as usual. And Grand Canyon Suite is wonderful as always. Get this recording and enjoy some classic American music at it's best.

disconnect your woofers before listening.......2002-05-09

rumble (not subway sounds) make 1st whole segment unlistenable without disconnecting subwoofers or filtering--not exactly why you buy an sacd

Average customer rating:

Bernstein Fan
Bernstein ...as Bernstein...bel canto or bluster...
Bernstein Favorites - The 20th Century

Twentieth Century

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000027CR
Release Date: 1991-05-03

Tracks:

Excerpted From: Symphony No. 3: Fanfare For The Common Man
Adagio For Strings, Op. 11
An American In Paris
Bachiana Brasileria No. 5: Aria
The Firebird Suite: Finale
Fantasia On Greensleeves
The Grand Canyon Suite: On The Trail
Rhapsody In Blue
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini: Eighteenth Variation
Appalachian Spring: Simple Gifts

Customer Reviews:

Bernstein Fan.......2003-01-28

This is a great CD to have to your collection. Not only is it [a good price], but it's performed by one of the best orchestras out there. Good sound, good selections. And anything conducted by Bernstein has to be good. It's one of my favorites

Bernstein ...as Bernstein...bel canto or bluster..........2001-08-27

This is indeed an excellent collection of pieces to show off the imminent talents and insights of Leonard Bernstein as a conductor...but also to show some of the limits... If Bernstein is interested -- and ENTHUSIASTIC -- about a composer or a particular piece, he can bring that vitality and interest into a sharp focus and deliver immensely grand and insightful interpretations to the piece...if, however, he is simply "performing" the piece with an orchestra...without the inspiration and the enthusiasm, his interpretations seem hollow and full of affectation or bluster...trying to "force" the piece to be signifcant or worth his time to "have to" fool with it... On this particular album, I believe the Barber "Adagio," the Grofe "On the Trail," the Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue" excerpt, and the Copland "Simple Gifts" -- excerpt from *Appalachian Spring* qualify for the inspired and interested category...while the Copland "Fanfare for the Common Man" falls into the bluster; the Gershwin "An American in Paris" falls into uninspired...along with the orchestral accompaniment to the Villa-Lobos, the Vaughn-Williams "Greensleeves," and the Rachmaninoff "18th Variation" from "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini"... For truly beautiful, inspired, and virtuoso violin playing, David Nadien in the "Fantasia on Greensleeves" and John Corigliano, Sr., in the "On the Trail" are

incredible...unfortunately Nadien gets the uninspired orchestral context from Bernstein...while Corigliano, Sr., gets the interested, alert, inventive Bernstein...at least that is what my listening sense says to me... perhaps it will be different for you... ...different ears, different tastes, and different points of focus cause aesthetic criticism to be very interesting ...but not always a reliable guide for individual satisfaction...

Bernstein Favorites - The 20th Century.......2000-02-29

There's a lot of good music here. My favorite is Stravinsky's Finale from The Firebird Suite...just when it seems it can't build up to any more of a climax, it does! For a more relaxed or contemplative mood there's the lovely Fantasia on Greensleeves. The last track is "Simple Gifts" an excerpt from Copland's fantastic tone poem Appalachian Spring. This CD has something for everyone interested in modern classical music--a fine sampling.