Title : Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO
Author : Copland, Aaron
Release Date : 19971028
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $
Amazon.com Price : $11.98
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Editorial Reviews : 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.
Buyer Reviews : This is by far the definitive recording of Copland's most popular works. Every work is extremely well played and held together, recorded during the days when Lenny's conducting was, though still a spectacle, much more communicative and clear then his later recordings.
The Billy the Kid and Rodeo suites are quite wonderful and magical. My personal favorite in this set is the Appalachian Spring. I always prefer the full ballet versions of most works in lieu of suite reductions but Copland's suite is one exception. Bernstein is at his absolute best at interpreting his good friend Copland mostly because they understood and had a great respect for one another. The playing is clean and clear, the strings very lush, the winds precise and very smooth sounding, the tempos are dead-on, everything is wonderfully shaped--it's as perfect as Copland had intended.
I highly reccommend this recording for it's preciseness, thoughtfulness, virtuosity, and beauty, elicited by the late-great Leonard Bernstein.
