Title : Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO
Author : Copland, Aaron
Release Date : 19971028
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $11.98
Amazon.com Price : $9.88
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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 : There are many recordings I have heard of these classic Copland works, conducted by such luminaries as Zubin Mehta, Donald Johanos, Morton Gould, even Eugene Ormandy. But none of these conductors knew the music of Aaron Copland better than his friend of 53 years, Leonard Bernstein, who Copland many times said conducted his music as if he had written it himself. No disc displays the tenderness and vivacity of Copland's Americana better than Bernstein and the Philharmonic's sensational performances of 'Appalachian Spring,' 'Rodeo,' and 'Billy the Kid.' These are works I know by heart, but it takes some doing for specific performances to make me emotional, and the fading last strains of 'Appalachian' did it on my first listening test. The sound quality is top-notch, even for these recordings from 1959-1961. Look no further than Bernstein - who knew Copland better than anyone else - to deliver the finest recordings of these works ever. This is America at its most beautiful and exuberant. Do yourself a favor and start your collection of American music here.
