Bernstein: Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety"; West Side Story Symphonic Dances; Candide

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Based on a Pulitzer prize-winning poem by W. H. Auden, Bernstein’s Symphony No.2 ‘The Age of Anxiety’ portrays the spiritual journey of self-discovery of four people in a New York bar. One of Bernstein’s most deeply personal works, encompassing an enormous range of contrasts, it was first performed in 1949 with the composer himself playing the piano concertante part. The overture to Candide, a Broadway operetta based on Voltaire’s satirical novella, has always been a much-loved concert piece. The Symphonic Dances from West Side Story are a collection of themes ranging from the energetic Rumble and Mambo to the arching melody Somewhere and the heart-rending I Have a Love.

Tracks:

Appalachian Spring: Very Slowly
Appalachian Spring: Allegro
Appalachian Spring: Moderato
Appalachian Spring: Fast
Appalachian Spring: Subito allegro
Appalachian Spring: As At First (Slowly)
Appalachian Spring: Doppio movimento (Shaker Melody 'The Gift To Be Simple')
Fanfare For The Common Man
El Salon Mexico
Danzon Cubano

Amazon.com

If Copland's own recordings of his music have the warmth of a soft summer night, those by Leonard Bernstein convey the blazing heat of noon. In his later remakes of several of these scores for Deutsche Grammophon, Bernstein exhibited a tendency toward overly-nuanced readings. But his earlier accounts with the New York Philharmonic, recorded by CBS in the late 1950s and early 1960s, are still incomparable in their vitality and impetus. Bernstein's way with the Western ballets is exuberantly personal and persuasive. He has the ability to move between delicacy and brashness, always getting the gestures right, and he delivers magical characterizations of both scores. The Phiharmonic's playing, while sometimes a bit raw, is confident and rhythmically secure; there is certainly nothing to apologize for here. There is a wonderful sense of immediacy to Bernstein's account of the Appalachian Spring Suite, in which the New Yorkers give a virtuosic account of themselves, playing in a rhythmically incisive fashion that puts Copland's account with the London Symphony in the shadows. The couplings are a mixed bag, however. Bernstein always had the measure of El Salon Mexico, and gives a rousing account of it here. But the so-called Fanfare for the Common Man is lifted from his recording of the Third Symphony; its beginning is not the same as that of the real fanfare. Both recordings have been wonderfully remastered by their original producer, John McClure, and have excellent presence and a palpable sense of atmosphere in the quiet pages. --Ted Libbey

Amazon.com

Leonard Bernstein was a friend of Aaron Copland's, and he approaches this music with rare flair and verve--as well as with sympathy and warmth--and, we can assume, with a good idea of the composer's intentions regarding it. This is a classic album, containing several of the works in the essential Copland oeuvre; the sound is not as good as you'll find in a more contemporary recording, but for most listeners the spirit will make up for that. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

Universal music.......2006-07-14

This recording, aside of bringing back great memories of a live performance of Mr. Bernstein more than 25 years ago directing Mexico State Philarmonic Orchestra playing Salon Mexico, is of grand quality and Aaron Coplands music selection is escellent as is performed and recorded. My mom (77) and my daughter (8) enjoy it just the same.

Long-Time Favorite.......2005-03-16

When I was in the fifth grade, there was a district-wide competition called music memory, and one of the pieces I had to memorize for the competition was the last movement of Appalachian Spring. And I fell in love with that song. I went and bought the cassette of Appalachian Spring with Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic, and I listened to it almost every night before going to sleep. I even remember that one night I was listening to that final movement through my walkman as I was laying in bed. Evidently, I was humming along without realizing it, and I woke my parents, who slept downstairs and across the house, with my humming. Anyway, that's how good this recording is. And I'm still amazed at what great taste I had at that age. Now, eleven years later, I have upgraded to a CD, but I still listen to Copeland's masterpiece just about as much. I've heard a lot of great music in those intervening years, but I've still never heard anything quite this perfect. I doubt I ever do.

Best Copland Album I've Ever Listened To.......2004-05-15

I love Appalachian Spring Suite! When I went out to buy the music CD, I got This one because of the cool newspaper cover and it turned out to be the best one out there. I've listened to other recordings of Appalachian Spring performed by other orchestras, they just aren't as good. This is the absolute best one. Not only is this one of my favorite classical albums of all time, it's one of my favorite albums period. Every single track on this CD is money.

Test of Time--Passed with honors!.......2003-07-21

I have been a fan of Aaron Copland's from an early age--in fact, so early that I can hardly remember not knowing "Fanfare for the Common Man". As I became older, my appreciation grew and deepened. I still remember my first exposure to the "Gift to Be Simple" section of Appalachian Spring...it was in history class, played as part of a presentation. I can't even remember the subject of the presentation anymore--all I remember is that at that wild, joyous crescendo, I was not in the room. I was somewhere far away, flying. That is the power in a piece like this, and the standard to which I hold any musical recording.

When I began seeking a full version of Appalachian Spring for my own collection, I had the good fortune to get a "recommendation" of sorts for the definitive recording: Richard Wright, keyboardist of Pink Floyd, has more of a Copland influence than you might suspect. When I read his article in Record Collector Magazine, the particular rendition he recommended was this one--the 1962 recording for CBS, of which he seemed to have the original LP. Imagine my surprise and delight to find that it was still in print and easy to find in stores!

"Aaron Copland's an American classical composer," summarizes Mr. Wright, "and [Appalachian Spring] is his most famous work...Like all of my favourite music there's something in his material that touches me; I think it's the chordal progression and the melodic lines just above them that do it for me here - and the fact that it's very peaceful. When I listen to a lot of the stuff that I've played over the years I feel I've been heavily influenced by Copland, albeit subconsciously." (Note to Pink Floyd fans: Comparing the basic approach in "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and Copland's "Quiet City" may prove interesting.)

I am in full agreement here...it is absolutely striking what Copland was capable of creating. In his hands, simple, traditional harmonies were transformed into breathtakingly original works that reflect the best of the American spirit...innovative, beautiful, optimistic, and slightly wild. It never ceases to amaze me how he could weave such a beautiful musical texture with so few notes at times--it is indeed a gift to be simple. But Copland's work is not boring by any means--he also knows the place for grand, sweeping statements and shockingly unique, beautiful chord changes that occur seemingly out of nowhere.

As soon as I heard this disc, in comparison to other recordings I'd sampled, it was immediately obvious why this one survived the test of time, why it was still so vivid in the mind of Richard Wright. Copland and Bernstein seem always to be a good match for each other, but there was something very special going on the night this was recorded. Even if you own other renditions of "Appalachian Spring", even if you are interested in no other composition on this disc, this is an absolute must-have.

As for the other pieces, recorded in the early 60s as well, there's a similar magic--even though the "Fanfare" version is radically different, it's a real ear-opener. The pitch changes are done with a shocking fluidity, but it brings new interest to the piece. It is no replacement for the original; it's probably best to treat it as a different song. "Salon Mexicano" and "Danzón Cubano" are also excellently rendered and timeless.

All in all, this is a fantastic album--a must for any classical collection.

the PERFECT Bernstein recording.......2002-12-16

I have heard A LOT and i mean A LOT of Bernstein recordings...and...as far as post-Beethoven works go...this is it...this may only be comparable to his multiple Beethoven 5th Symphonies...
If you own ANYTHING with Leonard Bernstein's name on it...one should say "Beethoven's Fifth Symphony" on it...and the other should be this disc.

Average customer rating:

Superb
Powerful and Moving
Barber's adagio
My inner beauty
Oscar Wilde plays Barber?

Barber's Adagio

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Barber: Adagio for Strings, Op. 11/Orchestral Music; Leonard Slatkin
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain
Copland: Appalachian Spring/Fanfare For The Common Man/El Salón México/Danzón Cubano
Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris
Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf/Saint-Saëns: The Carnival Of The Animals

ASIN: B0000025TX
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Adagio For Strings, Op. 11
Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis
Fantasia On 'Greenleaves'
String Quartet No. 1,. Op. 11: 'Andante Cantabile' - Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5 In C Sharp Minor: 'Adagietto'

Customer Reviews:

Superb.......2007-05-15

Bernstein's usual wonderful interpretations of 5 pieces.
This is probably the best performance of Barber's Adagio you can find and I have heard them all. One other note is Williams' Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis... it is spellbinding. This cd is definately worth the price if you are into slower strings.

Powerful and Moving.......2007-02-07

Barber's Adagio for Strings has become my favorite piece of music ever since hearing this recording several years ago. I definitely recommend this for anyone who likes violin music.

Barber's adagio.......2007-02-01

This sounds like a great recording of the Adagio adopted for orchestra.
I personally discovered another cd called Cathedral Classics recorded by Dale Warland Singers which gives a superior recording of the same music.
Dale Warland gives an unmatched quality that is available on the Internet.

My inner beauty.......2007-01-20

This music brings thoughts to my mind. I relax and think about good memories. But something in the music makes me sad sometimes and I can't stop listening to it because it is so beautiful. I want this CD to be played at my funeral. Only because it would bring good thoughts to people who know me now, but also just because it is so serene.

Oscar Wilde plays Barber?.......2005-07-12

Apparently, Thomas R. Brown is the only reviewer who has actually listened to this disc.

The performance of the Barber is not only the worst performance of the Adagio that I've ever heard; it's probably the worst performance of any piece by a major orchestra that I've ever heard, live or recorded. The complete lack of synchronization between the various string sections is embarrassing; the sloppy entrances are distracting and graceless. The orchestra sloshes from phrase to phrase like water in a bucket being carried over rough terrain. One wonders whether Bernstein was bothering to conduct at all, or was making everyone guess. This performance would have been unacceptable from my Youth Orchestra 25 years ago.

The other tracks are considerably better, but it's hard to make up for such a pathetic effort on the lead track.

Average customer rating:

the most sensetive music ever
Cool Camille
Astounding!!!
Great Selections, So-So Collection
Classical is the best

Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits
Debussy's Greatest Hits
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits
Grieg: Greatest Hits
Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002C61
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

Samson et Dalila: Bacchanale
Carnival Of The Animals (Chamber Version): No. 13. The Swan
Carnival Of The Animals (Chamber Version): No. 14: Finale
Dance Macabre, Op.40
Suite algerienne, Op. 60: Marche militaire francaise
Introduction and Rondo capriccioso, Op.28
Samson et Dalila: 'Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix'
Concert Piece For Horn & Orchestra, Op.94
Romance, Op.37
Piano Concerto No.2 In G Minor, Op.22: III. Presto
Symphony No.3 In C Minor, Op.78 'Organ': II. Allegro moderato - Presto - Maestoso - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

the most sensetive music ever.......2005-10-26

This music take me away from every day troubles and brings my soul to a beutiful world of music.Saint-Saent's vision of music is different, his creations are sensitive and intence. He is agreat talent.

Cool Camille.......2003-03-06

I think that the sound of Saint Saens Music is very unique. I think that anyone out there wanting to listen to some excellent writing I assure you that Saint Saens has written it. On behalf of Amazon I would definitely rate this music 5 stars. I thank Amazon for a perfect portrayal of his works. You shoppers out there might want to take a look at buying this.

RIGHT AWAY!!!
-Nick

Astounding!!!.......2000-10-06

I have come accross very few CD's that have 74 minutes of music that I enjoy. This CD is one of those. Mason Jones does a great job on Morceau, everyone likes danse bachannalle, the piano concerto is great, it's just a really enjoyable CD to own. I recommend it highly, it's one of my favorites.

Great Selections, So-So Collection.......2000-06-23

As all good elementary school music teachers know, Saint-Saëns could evoke emotions from a rock. I don't know if it's his masterful command (or creation) of the idioms of music, or whether it's the formal structure of his compositions, but there's never any confusion about how one feels when listening to this Apollo.

This Sony recording supposedly collects his best. It does and it doesn't. The "Danse Macabre"--a perennial Saint Saëns fave--is definitely better than any others on the market--crisper, livelier, and ... er... creepier. And the Bacchanale is also superbly done. (Don't take my word for it though--you can compare these yourself from the various samples.) But as great as these individual pieces are, Sony failed to bring to the "Swan" the rest of the zoo from "Carnivale des Animaux," and, worse, they forgot the "Aquarium," too! Plus, the "Organ Symphony" *must* be heard in its entirety to sound like the serious piece of music that it is.

I haven't found the noumenal Saint-Saëns collection yet. But this one surely isn't phenomenal.

Classical is the best.......2000-06-22

It's composition very good. Thanks Sony for this great album.

Average customer rating:

DON'T HESITATE TO BUY THIS CD

Beethoven: Greatest Hits

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ProductGroup: Music
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Bach: Greatest Hits
Chopin: Greatest Hits
Schubert: Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits HANDEL ~ Water Music, Largo, etc..
Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002A1D
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op. 67: l. Allegro con brio
Minuet in G Major, WoO 10, No.2
Fur Elise (Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59)
Sonata For Piano In C-sharp Minor, No. 14, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': l. Adagio sostenuto
The Ruins of Athens, Op.113, No.4: Turkish March
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': l. Allegro ma non troppo
Egmont Overture, Op. 84
Symphony No.3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': lll. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Trio
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.5 In E-flat Major 'Emperor': lll. Rondo. Allegro
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto-Rezitativo 'O Freunde, nicht diese Tone' - Allegro assai (Excerpt)

Customer Reviews:

DON'T HESITATE TO BUY THIS CD.......2001-12-28

What can I say other than this is a great CD. Beethoven was a master and his music will live forever. Altough I don't like every single symphony he composed, I love all the pieces on this album. These selections have "fire and passion," and I listen to them over and over again. Enjoy!!

Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring; The Firebird Suite (1919)

Average customer rating:

Three Le Sacres from Bernstein
WOW.
Commonplace "Rite"... and a TERRIFIC "Firebird"

Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring; The Firebird Suite (1919)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain
Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO
The Rite of Spring in Full Score
Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony
Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 9

ASIN: B0001ENYLM
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Introduction. Lento - London Symphony Orchestra
The Spring Divinations - Dances Of The Young Girls - London Symphony Orchestra
Mock Abduction - London Symphony Orchestra
Spring Round Dances - London Symphony Orchestra
Games Of The Rival Tribes - London Symphony Orchestra
Procession Of The Wise Elder - London Symphony Orchestra
Dance Of The Earth - London Symphony Orchestra
Introduction. Largo - London Symphony Orchestra
Mystical Circles Of The Young Girls - London Symphony Orchestra
Glorification Of The Chosen Victim - London Symphony Orchestra
Summoning Of The Ancestors - London Symphony Orchestra
Ritual Of The Ancestors - London Symphony Orchestra
Sacrificial Dance (The Chosen Victim) - London Symphony Orchestra
Introduction - Leonard Bernstein
The Firebird And Its Dance - Leonard Bernstein
Variation Of The Firebird - Leonard Bernstein
The Princesses' Round - Leonard Bernstein
Infernal Dance Of King Kashchei - Leonard Bernstein
Lullaby - Leonard Bernstein
Finale - Leonard Bernstein
I. Adoration Of Veles And Ala - Leonard Bernstein
II. The Enemy God And The Dance Of The Black Spirits - Leonard Bernstein
III. Night - Leonard Bernstein
IV. The Glorious Departure Of Lolli And The Procession Of The Sun - Leonard Bernstein

Amazon.com

Considering that Stravinsky's Rite of Spring has been around for nearly a century, it's surprising that even today, conductors literally get lost while attempting to beat through it--and that goes for some of the biggest names. Difficult as the piece is, conductors have no excuse for major lapses, now that this recording is available for study. Bernstein not only keeps complete control of the complex rhythms and constantly-switching meters throughout the work but he also interprets it with fire and sweep and emotional versatility. The Firebird is equally breathtaking. It's priceless, too, for the fabulous horn solo played by the New York Philharmonic's legendary James Chambers. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

Three Le Sacres from Bernstein.......2005-10-01

In the Royal Edition of Bernstein's recordings with the NY Phil., there was a hair-raising Le Sacre dating from 1958 in vivid sound with lots of impact and incredibly virtuosic playing. This was followed by a surround-sound remake with the London Sym. in 1972 as the fflagship for Columbia's attempt to promote "quadraphoonic sound," which never cuaght on.

The first recording occasioned a "wow" from Stravinsky in one of his memoirs (no doubt in part being ironic). The second recordingt is just as splashy and extroverted, although I prefer the 1958 version as the more flexible and less blatant. Both are wonderful and show off Bernstein's exuberance at its best.

This is the second reading from 1972, now in stereo, the 1958 being out of print. The Israel Phil. version made for DG in the Eighties--I don't have the exact date since I threw away the CD--is a parody of the young Bernstein by the old one, and the orchestra is far from being able to master the score.

WOW........2005-09-13

This recording really is something. Considering how old this rendition is, the depth at which bernstein controls the LSO is remarkable. There are moments when he lets the LSO loose, like letting the animals come out of their cages. He knows exactly how and exactly when to create, what I can only describe as "chaos". Bernstein's love for this arresting piece shines through the second half.
I only complain of the sound quality and the firebird. It is NOT A GOOD FIREBIRD.

BUY IT

Commonplace "Rite"... and a TERRIFIC "Firebird".......2005-07-26

It's a pity for me for this album to put the 70s recording Lenny did with the LSO on Stravinsky's revolutionary "Rite of Spring" instead of the performance he did with the NYPO about a decade earlier.
The 60s recording (which sadly may be only available in the "Royal Edition" series) remains on of my favorite performance of the "Rite" (along with the "Fast and the Furious" Ozawa's with the CSO on RCA), because it has more brashness in the music, more savagery, more tension. His interpretation is far more extraordinary compared to this recording in this album. The extra "ornaments" Lenny added to further exxagerate the wildness and primitiveness in the 60s recording has competely disappeared in this performance, making a more commonplace, even tamed, performance. Same goes with the 80s performance on DG with the Isreal Phil.

Lenny's performance "Firebird" Suite, on the other hand... is an electrifying 5 Star performance... THE main attraction of the album, not the 70s "Rite". This recording was done in the 60s with the NYPO, so there is more youthness and vigor in the performance. While the sound quality is not at its best, the performace is as hot as it can get. You will especially love the climax of the "Infernal Dance" and the "Finale". The only other recording I equally love is Claudio Abbado's performance with the LSO on DG, powerful in its own way... and more crystal-clear).

Proikofiev's "Scythian Suite" (the Bonus tracks) is another plus in this album. The "Dance of the Dark Spirits" is especially thrilling, as Lenny actually takes the tempo a bit faster compared to most other performances, including Abbado on DG and Jarvi on Chandos.

P.S. - Do you notice the "Jaws" theme hidden under the movment?

Average customer rating:

Classic Wynton
amazing
Heard this with NEW appreication.........
Wynton's the best
Classic Wynton--brilliant, clear trumpet renditions

Classic Wynton

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Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet
Carnaval
Trumpet Concertos
Greatest Hits: Trumpet
Standard Time, Vol.3: The Resolution Of Romance

ASIN: B00000DI10
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

In Gabriel's Garden: The King's March - English CO; Leppard, R.
Concerto For Two Trumpets In C Major: Allegro - English CO; Newman, A.
The Indian Queen: Entrada From The Indian Queen - St. Luke's Orch; Nelson, J.
In Gabriel's Garden: The Prince Of Denmark's March - English CO; Newman, A.
In Gabriel's Garden: Trumpet Voluntary - English CO; Leppard, R.
Baroque Duet: Let The Bright Seraphim - Wynton Marsalis
Suites De Symphonies: Rondeau - English CO; Leppard, R.
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: III. Allegro Assai (Excerpt) - Eastman Wind Ensemble; Hunsberger, D.
In Gabriel's Garden: Prelude From Te Deum - Eastman Wind Ensemble; Hunsberger, D.
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In D Major: II. Allegro Moderato - Philharmonia Orch; Salonen, E.
Baroque Music For Trumpets: I. Adagio - Eastman Wind Ensemble; Hunsberger, D.
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E-Flat Major: III. Finale. Allegro - Wynton Marsalis
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E Major: III. Rondo. Allegro Molto - Wynton Marsalis
Carnaval: 'Tis The Last Rose Of Summer - Wynton Marsalis
Carnaval: Variations On 'Le Carnaval De Venise' - Wynton Marsalis
On The Twentieth Century: Rondo For Lifey (For Trumpet And Piano) - Wynton Marsalis
Prayer Of St. Gregory For Trumpet And Organ - Anthony Newman
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra: I. Allegro - Wynton Marsalis
Carnaval: Moto Perpetuo - Wynton Marsalis
Tsar Saltan: Flight Of The Bumblebee - Wynton Marsalis

Amazon.com

Wynton Marsalis may not have an easily recognizable or even particularly handsome tone, but this erstwhile jazz trumpeter is an amazing virtuoso with a fine sense of classical style. If you've never owned/heard any of his classical CDs, and you love (mostly baroque) trumpet music, this compilation--a sort of "greatest hits"--is for you. From such cruddy, sensationalistic works as Carnival of Venice to the glories of Haydn's E-Flat Concerto, this is grand entertainment. Marsalis is joined by Kathleen Battle in an exciting version of Handel's "Let the bright seraphim," and the treat there is doubled. A fine piece by Hovhaness for trumpet and organ, never before released, is another surprise. Come listen to the endless, seemingly casual roulades that come out of this guy's trumpet--they'll wake you right up. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Classic Wynton.......2007-07-11

Classic! What else is there to say? As an introduction to the other, many classic recordings of this superbly talented trumpeter, it is as good a guide as possible.

amazing.......2006-10-31

Classic Wynton is the most glorious display of musicianship I have ever heard. No other trumpet player even comes close to Wynton. Don't listen to anything the editorial review says though, it must have been written by a complete ignoramus. Wynton Marsalis not having a clear or recognizable tone? Please...That's like saying Kobe Bryant isn't a good shooter. I can't believe that garbage is on a credible site such as Amazon.

Heard this with NEW appreication................2006-09-07

This is such a wonderful mix. I especially love the Haydn concerto finale in E flat. I was listening to this cd when my grandson (almost 3) heard the glorious music of the trumpet for the first time. He loved seeing the photos of Mr. Marsalis (which I embellished, albeit true, saying how difficult it is to play the trumpet - hence the need for a handerchief to wipe his brow in one of the photos). This awakened his awareness of trumpet music where he now loves to listen to one of his Baby Einstein cd's in the car. Specifically, he told his mother "louder" when the trumpet piece was played - repetetively.

Wynton's the best.......2006-03-17

I'm not a professional musician and don't have a trained ear but Wynton Marsalis has provided me with a very delightful hour of extremely good music.

Classic Wynton--brilliant, clear trumpet renditions.......2006-02-25

For anyone who loves trumpet music as I do, this album is a must. Wynton Marsalis has mastered twenty all-time favorite pieces with such brilliance, that no other trumpeteer comes near by comparison. Opening with J. Clarke's, The King's March, Wynton proceeds to favor listeners with such baroque favorites as Purcell's Entrada from "The Indian Queen," J. Clark's The Prince of Denmark's March and J. Stanley's Trumpet Voluntary. Fantastic selections from Bach, Mozart, and Haydn follow, with the album also including such delightful listening as The Last Rose of Summer, Carnival of Venisee, and Flight of the Bumblebee. You won't be disappointed with this purchase!

Average customer rating:

Schubert: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits
Liszt: Greatest Hits
Chopin: Greatest Hits
Beethoven: Greatest Hits
Debussy's Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002A29
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished': Allegro moderato
Marche Militaire, Op. 51, No.1
Ave Maria
Serenade
Erlkonig
Rosamunde Overture
Impromptu In E-Flat Major, Op. 90, No. 2
Death And The Maiden String Quartet In D Minor: IV Presto
Moment Musical In F Minor Op. 94, No3
Trout Quintet For Piano & Strings In A Major: III Scherzo Presto
Symphony No. 9 In C Major 'The Great': I Andante - Allegro ma non troppo

Average customer rating:

A recording from the far side of the pendulum.
Maybe not the best recording quality
The wisdom gaze!
Schumann the symphonist...
Lenny found Mahler in Schumann!

Schumann: The 4 Symphonies

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Schubert: 8 Symphonies
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Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies 1

ASIN: B000001GY9
Release Date: 1997-02-11

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': I - Andante un poco maestoso - Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': II - Larghetto - attacca
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': III - Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': IV - Allegro animato e grazioso
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: I - Sostenuto assai - Allegro, ma non troppo
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: II - Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: III - Adagio espressivo
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: IV - Allegro molto vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3, op. 97 'Rhenish': 1. Lebhaft
Symphony No. 3, op. 97 'Rhenish': Scherzo: Sehr Maessig
Symphony No. 3, op. 97 'Rhenish': Nicht Schnell
Symphony No. 3, op. 97 'Rhenish': Feierlich - (quasi attacca:)
Symphony No. 3, op. 97 'Rhenish': Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4, op. 120: Ziemlich langsam - Lebhaft - (attacca:)
Symphony No. 4, op. 120: Romanze: Ziemlich Langsam - (attacca:)
Symphony No. 4, op. 120: Scherzo: Lebhaft - Trio - (attacca:)
Symphony No. 4, op. 120: Langsam - Lebhaft

Amazon.com essential recording

Leonard Bernstein was full of surprises. A conductor often accused of hopeless self-indulgence, he responded intuitively to the classical aesthetic of Haydn, and no less to the early Romantic bravado of Schumann. In fact, these symphonies have never been better played or conducted than they are here. These are performances of high passion--they're either very fast or very slow--and extraordinary color and drama. Bernstein sticks faithfully to the composer's original, thick orchestrations but makes each symphony work through playing of unflagging clarity and chamber music-like balance. That this was all done live, in performances of such wide emotional range, is amazing. But amazing was what Bernstein did best. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A recording from the far side of the pendulum........2007-01-24

Back in the 1950s and 60s when Leonard Bernstein was at his peak of popularity and reputation, it was common for conductors to put their own unmistakable and indelible stamp on/in the pieces of music they were recording and this was probably more true for Bernstein than for any other conductor. Gradually, the Early Music and Original Instrument movements began to hold sway in the following decades, producing a flurry of recordings that prided themselves upon being true to the composer's intentions and minimizing the interpreting liberties taken by the previous generation, often with interpretations that were long on research and short on beauty. Both positions of the interpretive pendulum are simplified extremes and are equally wrong-headed and unsuccessful.

There is no denying that Bernstein was a wonderful personality and great conductor and music-lover who brought the American music scene a giant step forward. However, now that some decades have passed since his passing, his contribution can perhaps be viewed and listened to more objectively. Thus, this recording of Schumann's four symphonies is classic Bernstein, the set having been recorded in the mid-1980s, yet is as ego-laden as one who is nostalgic for the 1960s as one could wish. Schumann himself stated that "The orchestra must exist as a Republic" and hated the idea of a virtuoso conductor who brings attention to himself and takes attention from the orchestra and the composition. I doubt Schumann would have liked this recording. The music is gushing, lugubrious, and bombastic, with every possible affectation. Sometimes, it works and sometimes it doesn't.

Part of the problem is that there is a perception that Schumann was a weak symphonist and terrible orchestrator, but that his symphonies (including the Overture, Scherzo, and Finale) contain such fine music that their blemishes are worth hiding behind the proper interpretation. In other words, Schumann's symphonies work, but require a bit of 'work'. If one hears any of the Nicholas Harnoncourt recordings of the symphonies, one realizes this is poppycock -- there, these symphonies are models of clarity and beauty. Nothing is overdone, yet Schumann seems to say so much more. In Bernstein's hands, everything is about himself. This is not all bad. In fact, the First Symphony's second movement is quite beautiful and very expressive, contrasting brilliantly with the strongly rhythmic first movement, which suffers only from being overplayed and bombastic. The sheer heaviness and ponderous quality of the playing is curious -- none of Schumann's orchestral details are allowed to speak, such as the trumpet/oboe couplings in the second movement of the Third Symphony. Unlike many other Schumannians I've met, I've always considered the Third his weakest symphony (wonderful though it is) and here, I can understand a few of Bernstein's interpretive liberties such as the choices of tempi of the coda of the fifth movement and the movement proper. However, the symphony certainly isn't improved with Bernstein's tenutos and sudden dynamic changes, especially near the ends of the first movement's exposition and recapitulation; the tonal palette in this movement (and in this symphony) is narrower than in the others, but such exaggeration is almost laughable.

Overall, one of my biggest gripes is Bernstein's choice of tempi. The Second Symphony's third movement (Adagio espressivo) is taken so slowly that the movement never builds any momentum at all -- it just lays there like a dying animal, waiting to expire. The second movement of this same symphony begins with a good tempo, not too fast and although too heavy for its Mendelssohnian scoring and musical intentions, is convincing enough. Schumann increases the tempo in the Coda, and here Bernstein takes it so fast, it bears little relation to what has preceded it. The result sounds like such a bravura affectation that the musical power of the movement is crushed under the weight of Bernstein's personality. The result doesn't make musical sense. The tempo at the end of the coda in the fourth movement of this wonderful symphony is slowed down I suppose to give it more power, but here is so exaggerated that it simply comes to a screeching halt.

However, Bernstein does coax some wonderful playing from his Viennese charges and the solo work in the Adagio of the Second (here played Largo) as well as the solo violin work in the Fourth and other instrumental solos throughout these symphonies is excellent. Although the clarity of the recording isn't the best (this is the 1980s), Bernstein does give admirable attention to the bass lines where Schumann's counterpoint requires it and the Coda of the Finale of the Fourth is certainly exciting and very powerful, starting with a long buildup in the basses where each note can almost be distinguished.

Underlining my point, Bernstein is at his best in the Fourth, where Schumann's obsessive rhythms in the first, third, and fourth movements as well as a series of odd instrumental doublings (winds and strings) and austere musical expression keep him in check. This has always been the least popular of Schumann's symphonies -- I can only assume this view was shared by Bernstein, because he does the least with/to it and it thus winds up being the best of this set.

Bernstein isn't for everyone and neither is this set. I'm of the opinion that Schumann is one of the greatest of all composers and though not flawless, his symphonies are a remarkable musical and technical achievement. But I wouldn't have that opinion had my listening been limited to interpretations like this one. I've yet to come across a recording of these works that is entirely to my liking; this one is too much Bernstein, not enough Schumann, yet I can appreciate Bernstein's passion and his obvious love for this great music.

Maybe not the best recording quality.......2007-01-03

The interpretation of the symphonies is fine. The recording quality in some of the music is slightly dead. I don't think it was an orchestral problem, just a mechanical problem.

The wisdom gaze!.......2006-12-12

These living recordings not only find Bernstein in total shape but still more in what it could be stated as a wisdom state. To my view, since 1971, the year in which Leonard decided to consider the possibility to choose Europe as his next stage and the definitive one, he acquired a renovated vision, and even a major stature as conductor. You may realize how his Mahler cycle, his musical thinking improved to unexpected levels.

In what Schumann concerns, few directors like him understood so well the artistic heritage and the tragedy beneath the score, because the Romanticism spirit was just the peak of the iceberg. The spring Symphony' s reading for instance, is sturdy, vivid and expansive. The Vienna Philharmonic with its wonderful, exultant, vigorous and penetrating sonorous density made the perfect ensemble. Maybe the Third movement is quite reflexive; I would have preferred a major intensity at the beginning of the movement but these are minor subtleties. This version may be labeled as one the seven supreme ones ever made until this date. If you consider Munch, Koussevitzsky, Fricsay, Paray, Sawalich Kubelik, yopu should not worry about it.

Bernstein reached an insurmountable peak when he decided to record the second symphony with the New York Philharmonic. This version is good but less idiomatic than the previous one. The Third Symphony has been a matter of discussion and admiration; its bucolic and Pastoral character makes of this sublime Symphony a real stone in the shoe for many directors incapable to decipher the minimum facets of this Op. Bernstein makes a sumptuous and refined reading but to my view his previous version with the NYC is notably superior.

The Fourth is notable too, with reflexive passages, beating introspectiveness and above all, the visible Mahlerian approach employed by Bernstein to underline the close affinity among both composers. This version, plus Paray, Abendrtoth, Rafael Kubelik, Furtwangler and Sawalich are the most representative versions I have listened until this date.

In sum this set is indispensable for all sort of listeners who will be able to understand why Leonard was considered a status conductor and a magnificent director during the past Century.

Schumann the symphonist..........2006-12-10

It seems most people aware of Schumann these days associate him much more with his songs and solo piano works than with the four symphonies. That's understandable I suppose considering the quality of those pieces, but to me the symphonies are where the true introspective genius of Robert Schumann hit its peak.

By now I'm sure you've heard and read about how Schumann wasn't a great(or possibly not even a good) symphonist and how he failed miserably as an orchestrator. Nonsense I say. Sure his symphonies didn't shatter new musical boundaries or advance the system, but then again who really did after Beethoven?

Schumann's symphonies are indeed limited in orchestral colour but is that really a bad thing? Not everyone could be Rimsky-Korsakov and if everyone was, we'd all get bored with that really quick. Take a look at any of Claude Monet's winter scene paintings. Are these any less mesmerizing or poignant because the palette was so limited? I think not. If anything they are even more atmospheric and engaging than his more colourful works. The same principle applies here.

Perhaps some of the less than stellar recordings of these works have pushed people away. Fortunately for us, Bernstein was a master. He handles these works with precision and care and manages to bring each symphony to life in a way that most Romantic music fans could appreciate if they'd give this set a chance.

These recordings were done live which was always Bernstein's element. The energy and passion of a live performance is everywhere here and without the annoyances of audience noise and other such distractions that might mar your listening enjoyment.
At about $15 or so this should be a no-brainer for Schumann fans or those who want to get acquainted with the mad Romantic for the first time. Highest possible recommendation.

Lenny found Mahler in Schumann!.......2006-10-25

I own the Szell recordings which finally convinced me that Schumann's symphonies were worth getting to know (Kubelik's readings on Sony just didn't do a thing for me), but listening to Bernstein's Schumann was like hearing an entirely different composer. I agree with another reviewer who wrote about his response to the Adagio in Symphony #2. Although I didn't have tears rolling down my face, it certainly grabbed me and wouldn't let go (Szell clocks-in at a little over 11 minutes; Bernstein over 13 - but its not overt indulgence like his Tchaikovsky 6th). It was like listening to Lenny's Concertgebouw Mahler 9th. It is wrenching. I wouldn't ever let go of Szell or Bernstein - both have much to say about this often maligned composer of symhonies.

Average customer rating:

mahler symphony#4
Not the best performance of this symphony
Amazingly fresh and vital
Because I have dissed the 1990 DG Bernstein/Wittek Mahler #4
Still one of the most musical Mahler Fourths.

Mahler: Symphony No. 4

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000I9GF
Release Date: 1999-03-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Bedachtig. Nicht eilen
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Tempo 1
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Wieder wie zu Anfang. Sehr gemachlich, behaglich
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Wieder plotzlich langsam und bedachtig
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: In gemachlicher Bewegung. Ohne Hast
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Nicht eilen
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Ruhevoll
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Viel langsamer
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Anmutig bewegt
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Andante
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Vorwarts. Poco piu mosso
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Sehr behaglich
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Wieder lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 In G Major: Tempo 1. Sehr zart und geheimnisvoll bis zum Schluss

Customer Reviews:

mahler symphony#4.......2007-01-07

Being a Mahler lover and a fan of leonard Bernstein I was disappointed to find this recording quite pedestrian.There are much better interpretations available.

Not the best performance of this symphony.......2006-09-17

I like Bernstein, and this performance does have some charm to it. However, the rhythms are too choppy, the tempo changes too often, and there is not enough mystery. If you can find it, the very best performance of the Mahler 4th is by Leopold Ludwig and the Staatskapelle Dresden. It was recorded way back in 1957 and remains the best available interpretation, in my opinion. You can read my review of that CD for more details.

Amazingly fresh and vital.......2005-10-26

For years the Gramophone, among other sources of critical approval, has recommended a cautious, enervated Mahler Fourth by Maazel and the vienna Phil., also on Sony. This first Bernstein reading from New York, recorded in 1960, has been passed over, and yet it is amazingly fresh and exciting. Unfortunately, the Fourth has become, as one reviewer said, a lyrical intermezzo positioned between greater works, yet in Bernstein's hands it shines as an extension of the magical world of the Third Symphony, dreamlike and enchanted, full of wonder and spiritual intenisty. I hadn't listend to it for some years, and a recent reacquaintance reminded me that Bernstien earned his credentials as a Maherian, not by extroverted emotion but by having constant insights into Mahler's musical idiom. A great reading, arguably the greatest on disc.

Because I have dissed the 1990 DG Bernstein/Wittek Mahler #4.......2004-12-01

I just want to note that this 1960 remastered version is great. I agree with all the positive comments below, but also want to emphasize that the sound is unusual & wonderful here. The microphones must have been mainly above Bernstein's head to get the unusually broad, clear sonic perspetive. The remastered sound is also of exceptional quality, and the resulting clarity fits the conductor's measured, highly resolved take on the music perfectly. Recommended, and a great bargain.

Still one of the most musical Mahler Fourths........2004-03-23

Despite the different explanations regarding what Mahler is telling us, it is obvious that Bernstein presents the Fourth Symphony in very musically appealing terms. Though typically identified with a broad range of emotional expression, especially in his Mahler interpretations, he actually seems a mite less sensitive or concerned with the sometimes lurking, uneasy aspects of this symphony, (in contrast to Tennstedt, for example). In the opening movement, the description, "dream-like", seems to fit Bernstein's portrayal. Simultaneously, he conveys an attractive lyricism. In the second ("death fiddler") movement, he expresses ample irony, while in the third, he radiates an almost aching beauty. A standout in the fourth movement is soprano Reri Grist, whose memorable performance sounds more child-like than most other sopranos I've heard. A good number of others have sounded "too adult", and some ridiculously so....I expressed high regard for Bernstein's Mahler Second, and not so high regard for his Mahler Fifth. Here, he delivers a reading I find both engrossing and very satisfying. For a long time, this has been and continues to be one of my favorite Mahler Fourths.

Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies (Collectors Edition)

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly tame Beethoven from a great conductor
Just Super
scratches easily
Bernstein is gone, but thankfully, his music is not
Bedrock stuff

Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies (Collectors Edition)

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Schumann: The 4 Symphonies

ASIN: B0001WGDX0
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly tame Beethoven from a great conductor.......2007-07-21

The tameness of this Beethoven cycle from Bernstein and the Vienna Phil. was deliberate, I suspect. The conductor had already made a massive-sounding cycle in New York with the Philharmonic, and he apparently wanted to hear these works slimmed down, fleet, and classically inclined in Vienna. Even understanding the rationale, there are moments when the readings come close to being either tepid or ordinary. The VPO sounds lovely, and DG has improved on the original thin sonics from the LP era. But I can't square these cautious performances with the free-wheeling and inspired Bernstein I love. If you play any single movement side by side with, say, Riccardo Muti's middle-of-the-raod cycle from Philadelphia on a bargain EMI line, it's hard to tell where Muti ends and Bernstein begins. (Joining Muti and Bernstein, another firebrand conductor, Solti, also tended toward tameness when it came to Beethoven.)

I see that the reviewers here are sharply divided between champsions and naysayers. I'm not completey disappointed. The smaller, more graceful symphonies (#1, #2, #4, #8) are the best in the cycle, largely thanks to the orchestra's elegant execution. Of the heroic symphonies, the Fifth is dull, the Eroica and Seventh are better but by no means inspired, and the Ninth comes the closest to making one sit up and take notice. LB made a specialty of this work, but his three official versions don't really capture the magic. This one comes closest, and I much prefer it to the emotional wallow that LB indulged in with his famous "Ode to Freedom" performance at the Berlin Wall after it fell in 1989.

As for the reviewers here who heap superlatives on this set, I can't come close to agreeing, and I am a Bernstein fan par excellence.

Just Super.......2007-06-10

This a great collection, and Bernstein displays all his usual expressiveness. I'm sorry, Eroica is not at all boring. It is fantastic!

scratches easily.......2007-05-31

I don't have a problem with the quality of the recordings but has anyone else noticed if the disks scratch easily? I have about three of them now that are scratched up pretty badly. Or maybe I don't take care of my CD's like I should.

Bernstein is gone, but thankfully, his music is not.......2007-05-15

Bernstein is one of my favorite conductors and this set is another reason why! For live recordings they really sparkle (like the ghost of Walt Disney was up in the sound booth). The cellos and bass with their gritty tone come thru loud and clear and it almost seems like they are in my living room, not coming out my speakers. The same for the flutes, even the low parts.

I thought the first symphony was a bit average and dragged a little, but still very enjoyable. Beethoven's 3rd and 7th were the two symphonies I was slow in warming up to. Now I wonder what was wrong with me! Bernstein really nails the 3rd symphony! WOW! The 2nd and 5th are paired on disc two. I have always liked this pairing since the 2nd reminds me so much of number 5. I had my musical moment during symphonies 3, 2, and 5. The last movement of number five, what JOY of life! The 6th is played serenely and very beautifully.

Some Beethoven symphony performances seem to bring out the majesty of the music while others the thunder and excitement. Bernstein nails both of these features, especially in symphyony 5 and the musicians play with such warmth and joy. Don't miss the JOY in Beethoven's music. Even with his loss of hearing, Beethoven did not loose hope, nor the joy of life and this comes through with great passion in these symphonies. "The last enemy to be destroyed will be death." "katepothe ha thanatos eis nikos" Death will be swallowed up in victory.

Bedrock stuff.......2007-02-21

I couldn't live without recordings of classical music, but please, somebody shoot me if I ever get as snobbish as some of the reviewers nitpicking this box set. The sound quality is excellent. (These symphonies were all recorded live in concert, so the performances truly breathe.) The interpretations are, to my ear, deeply considered and extremely moving, especially the second movement of the Seventh. And best of all, you can't beat the price (and this is Deutsche Grammaphone we're talking about, usually the most expensive pressings). So if you know some person, young or old, who wants to know where to start with building a classical collection, get them this set as a gift. How can you not like this music?

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Press Conference-Mexico 1992

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Shape I'm In: Complete Anthology [Import]

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Pinmonkey

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