A 100 years Leonard Bernstein.
By the end of this month the late American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein would have turned a 100 years old. The world famous Bernstein passed away in 1990 leaving behind a big and impressive oeuvre of compositions. Besides the fact that Bernstein was the composer of ‘West Side Story’, the best musical ever, he was also a much celebrated conductor. But there is so much more to this man. In the programme of Theme we zoom in at composer Leonard Bernstein. Following in the footsteps of his great role model Aaron Copland Bernstein created dazzling symphonies, masterly overtures and exciting concerts. In this episode you will hear several of the highlights of his oeuvre like the Second symphony (‘The Age of Anxiety’), Chichester Psalms and his Serenade for violin and string quartet.
Leonard Bernstein:
1. ‘Candide: Overture’ (1956) op Bernstein-Copland.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra led by Andrew Litton.
Virgin 7243 5 61612 21 CD
2-4. ‘Trio for Piano, Violin and Violoncello’ (1937) on Piano Trios from America.
Altenberg Trio Wien.
Vanguard Classics 99172 CD
5-7. ‘On the Town’ (Three Dance Episodes) (1945) on Bernstein-Copland.
Minnesota Orchestra led by Edo de Waart.
Virgin 7243 5 61612 21 CD
8-10. ‘Chichester Psalms’ ‘(1965) on Gabriël Fauré-Leonard Bernstein.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra + London Symphony Chorus led by Richard Hickox.
Carlton Classics 30366 00092 CD
11-16. ‘Second symphony: The Age of Anxiety’ (1949) on Leonard Bernstein-Het Gelders Orkest.
Het Gelders Orkest led by Elyakum Shapirra, with Cristina Ortiz, piano.
Ottavo Recordings OTR C58920 CD
17-21. ‘Serenade for Solo Violin, Strings, Harp and Percussion’ (1954) on Beethoven-Bernstein.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra led by David Zinman, with Hilary Hahn, violin.
Sony SK 60584 CD