A Tribute to Lenny - Part 2
A Brief Overview of the Sony Bernstein Century Edition
by Adrian Tan
(Signature image from the Leonard Bernstein Tribute Page)
Sony Classical has recently released Bernstein's best work in a new series in celebration of his 80th birthday. A timely release since I had to do this list of recommended listening and Bernstein has made so many recordings! Anyway, hop on for the ride and I'm quite sure you won't go wrong if you are searching for his best.
Bernstein's reading of Copland, who was a friend and mentor, is often considered second only to the composer's own. The young Bernstein was already an admirer of Copland's music when they first met at a social gathering. From then on, they became fast friends.
Copland, already considered the "Dean of American Music" in those days
initiated Bernstein to the musical elite. Bernstein carried on to fame
as a conductor and champion of Copland's music. Their
relationship was an odd one, for Bernstein (some suspect that fame had
got into his head) often criticized Copland's work. He said that Copland's Symphony No.3 was "not a wow, that's all. It was solid, it was
serious" in a letter to the composer.
Copland was always an admirer of
Bernstein's many talents and when things were down for Lenny, was always
there as a mentor, friend and advisor. When LB conducts Copland's music,
there is always this much of understanding, adding a touch of exuberance
even in the light of Copland's usual striking economy and transparency
of texture. This is most apparent in the Appalachian Spring and the
thoughtful Symphony No.3 which I consider superior to Copland's own
rendition.
This montage of Mahler favourites features the recording from Senator Kennedy's funeral, an emotionally charged performance that left many stunned and in tears at the loss of a(nother) great American leader who defended Martin Luther King, was chief spokesman for the liberal Democrats, spoke out against President Johnson's Vietnam policy and was killed in 1968. Also, worthy of note, the "Resurrection", a work Bernstein most often conducted. His identifying with the music is uncanny, allowing him to explore the nuances of the music with great passion. I can't do justice here - go listen to it.
(Visit the Bernstein Tribute Page for a review and samples from the Mass)
Bernstein's Broadway/Hollywood contributions not only revolutionalized
music in those fields, but also earned him lots of money! (If LB scored the
soundtrack for Titanic...). Candide - a full-scale sparkling musical
that was "too sophisticated" for Broadway (anyway, so is Voltaire!). The
overture has always been a race to the end for most but here its
vibrancy and immaculate precision is amazing. The Oscar-winning On the
Waterfront (which LB was accused of stealing the show with his
soundtrack!) and West Side Story are featured as Symphonic Suites.
Fancy Free is less of a wonder... but listen to Dybbuk ! A ballet by the great Jerome Robbins, where LB combines Jazz elements and Stravinsky's influence.
MASS is a controversial work. Not a conventional Mass but a
theatrical piece that combines Pop music elements as well as Jazz and
Coplandish American "Outdoor" musical ideas. Not many have attempted
this work probably because of its questionable tastes but I feel that it
is a landmark. Well, hear it to decide. (Perhaps like Vaughan William's Magnificat, it is a concert work not meant for liturgical use - Ed.)
Collaboration with violin virtuoso Isaac Stern, linked not only by their Jewish roots but a sincere musicality that is oft unheard. In my opinion, one of the most sublime takes on Barber's Adagio ever.
New York Philharmonic
SMK 63079
Symphony No.5 (a.k.a. How to write a good symphony using a recurring dah-dah-dah-DAAAH! motif) seems to be a favourite showpiece. Even Bernstein doesn't go that fast *wink* : )
Rudolf Serkin (piano)
New York Philharmonic
SMK 63080
One of the best renditions of the "Emperor". Two musical geniuses at work.
New York Philharmonic
SMK 63082
E. Power Biggs/New York Philharmonic
SMK 63155. First release on CD (Symphony No. 3)
New York Philharmonic
SMK 63084
Undisputably one of Mahler's champions on the podium, Bernstein's Fifth is poignant and a usual favourite.
New York Philharmonic
SM2K 63159. First release on CD
Alan Titus/Norman Scribner Choir/Berkshire Boys Choir
SM2K 63089
GROFÉ: Grand Canyon Suite.
New York Philharmonic/Columbia Symphony Orchestra. Bernstein (piano and conductor)
SMK 63086
Here is the "definitive" Rhapsody in Blue as recognized by most. What
Bernstein contributes to this is his musical interpretation of a piece
that is so fragmented, giving it some shape and development, and his
virtuosic piano-playing. As for the latter, despite the many pianists
that have attempted the work, Bernstein is the only one who could
insert the Jazz style and maintain the classical elements of the work.
You will notice that he really takes his time to give the music a
personal touch on the piano, and even when leading the orchestra. The
only drawback of this release, is the quality of the recording which
I doubt has improved much despite the remastering. Still, a MUST for all
Gershwin fans.
W. SCHUMAN: In Praise of Shahn (Canticle for Orchestra); To Thee Old Cause.
Isaac Stern/New York Philharmonic
SMK 63088.
First release on CD (Schuman)
New York Philharmonic
SMK 63154
Newly remastered - some selections first release on CD. THIS DISC IS REVIEWED HERE
New York Philharmonic
SMK 63081
New York Philharmonic
SMK 63163. First release on CD
New York Philharmonic
SMK 63164. World premiere recordings.
Lukas Foss (b.1922) is a German-born composer-pianist-conductor who settled in the USA in 1937, where he changed his name from Fuchs . His music is both traditional and experimental. Foss was a contemporary of Bernstein and here, some of his best works as premiered by Bernstein. Certainly one of the great contemporary composers.
LEONARD BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) |
Adrian Tan is also the chairman of "Lenny's Leapers"...an organization dedicated to introduce the art of Jumping on the Podium to conductors all over the universe.
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019: 4.4.98. up.12.3.2000 ©Adrian Tan
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