INKPOT#51 CLASSICAL MUSIC REVIEWS: Sony Bernstein Century Overview

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.

• BEETHOVEN: Symphony No.4 & No.5; Egmont Overture.
  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* : )
• BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No.3 & No.5 “Emperor”.
  Rudolf Serkin (piano)
  New York Philharmonic
  SMK 63080
  One of the best renditions of the “Emperor”. Two musical geniuses at work.

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• COPLAND: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo – Four Dance Episodes; Billy the Kid – Orchestral Suite from the Ballet; Fanfare for the Common Man.
  New York Philharmonic
  SMK 63082
• COPLAND: Symphony No. 3 & No. 1 for Organ and Orchestra.
  E. Power Biggs/New York Philharmonic
  SMK 63155. First release on CD (Symphony No. 3)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.

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• MAHLER: Symphony No. 5.
  New York Philharmonic
  SMK 63084
  Undisputably one of Mahler’s champions on the podium, Bernstein’s Fifth is poignant and a usual favourite.
• MAHLER: Symphony No.2 “Resurrection”; Symphony No. 5 (Adagietto); Symphony No.8 “Symphony of a Thousand” (Part I).
  New York Philharmonic
  SM2K 63159. First release on CD