Amazon.com essential recording: Happy is the composer who has an advocate as passionate and talented as Leonard Bernstein. These Copland performances have been the preferred versions since they were first issued--better even than the composer's own, later recordings. Originally they were spread over two discs, but thanks to the extended playing time of the compact disc, you can now get all three great Copland ballets together, along with the ever popular Fanfare for the Common Man. Bernstein brings to this music the right sharpness of rhythm but also a typically open-hearted warmth. He coaxes a virtuoso response from the New York Philharmonic, which knows this music as well (or better) than anyone. Self- recommending. --David Hurwitz
Disc 1:
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
Appalachian Spring: Moderato - Coda
Rodeo: Buckaroo Holiday - Allegro con spirito
Rodeo: Corral Nocturne - Moderato
Rodeo: aturday Night Waltz - Introduction - Slow Waltz
Cult recordings! ^ Appalachian spring was first given by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Artur Rodzinsky (October 4, 1945). According the very Copland, the music of the ballet takes as its point of departure the personality of Martha Graham. She borrowed it from the heading of one of hart Crane's poems, though the ballet seems to bear no relation to the text of the poem itself. Certainly, and despite the work is complex and abstruse, many people (like myself) regard this was the most ambitious and pyramidal of his entire symphonic works.
It was well known the close affinity between these two notable composers. And Copland's repertoire was always a reference cornerstone among the countless concerts given by Mr. Bernstein. As a matter of fact the only remarkable conductor who approached with successful ovations was Antal Dorati.
Nevertheless the sumptuous flavor, idiomatic lexicon and hair-raising flair of these emblematic performances have become through all these years not only the obligated parameter against the others must be compared. And like the good wine, this album improves itself with the years, due its mercurial energy and phlegmatic effervescence.
A real treasure from the file.
Wonderful performances, awful sound ^ Can I give this two and a half stars? That'll be five for the performances and zero for the sound, then.
Seriously, the performances are everything you might expect- energetic, exciting and wholly idiomatic. Lenny and the NY Phil are just in their element.
But the sound... now, CBS were never noted for their sonics, and this compilation - even with presumably sympathetic remastering - shows why.
On a half decent system, let alone high-end, this sound doesn't seem to have emanated from anything remotely resembling an orchestra- spot miked, giant instruments leap and screech around, no stage, depth, warmth, ambience or hall sound. Violins sound more like giant kajoos. Ouch. Not a good advert for analog, this sounds more like generation zero digital on a bad day.
I wish I could say more nice things, but this sounds just nasty. Even with these performances, I just find it difficult to listen through to the music.
Two of the Best - Together - Amazing ^ I have always been a fan of both Copland and Bernstein. The two speak to me with their music like few other composers can. When Bernstein leads a talented group in Copland, it doesn't get much better.
Two of the most moving and emotional pieces ever written are Beethoven's 7th - Allegretto, and Copland's Appalachian Spring - Moderato-Coda. The harmonies and emotion that come from each is astonishing.
Bernstein's treatment of Appalachian Spring, and in particular Moderato-Coda on this album represent to me the finest recording of this American classic. I can listen to it 100 times, and still come away drained emotionally from the experience. Thank God that these two men graced the same earth that I live on in a time when they could be recorded for the generations.
Bernstein and Copeland ^ Copeland's Appalachian Spring and other suites such as Rodeo and Billy the Kid are are at their finest in the hands of Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein gives clarity and strength to America's best composer still to date.
Listening to this CD is a great pleasure and leaves one in an optimistic and forward-looking mood
The Sting ^ Being a nostalgia buff, I am always drawn to movies such as these and the actors that really fit the part. Yes, it is on my favorites list.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
