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Another Bernstein American Classical treasure

Customer Rating:
Just a few comments to add to the other fine reviews here.

I have two other versions of these works, but these recordings are by far, the best I own. With today's modern recording technology, it is so easy to overlook these "bargain" recordings and forget Leonard Bernstein was one of the greatest conductor/interpreters of modern classical music ever to pick up a baton. While some recordings from this era lack clarity and "digital punch", this CD doesn't suffer from that problem. Even if it did, it 1000 times makes up for in interpretation, musicianship, and vitality. This arrangement is the concert arrangement, and Bernstein makes us feel like we are listening to a world premier with excitement and genius channeling Gershwin's creativity and imagination straight to your speakers or headphones. It really is magic.

The imaging and spaciousness of the stereo sound stage is also quite impressive.

As another review pointed out, there are better compilation deals - Later releases package these works with Ferde Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite. Whatever - just make sure you own these performances. For another completely different take on the Rhapsody in Blue, likened to an "original period instrument" version, pick up Michael Tilson Thomas Performs and Conducts Gershwin.

Recommend Bernstein's Copland recordings (Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO), his own Candide (Bernstein Conducts Candide), and his legendary take with the New York Philharmonic on Shostakovich Symphony # 5 (Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 9).

Rhapsody in blue

Customer Rating:
I first heard Leonard Bernstein's version of Rahpsody in Blue in the early 1960s, on a 7" vinyl record. It has remained my favourite ever since. This digital issue on a CD is excellent. Nothing has been lost in the transition from analogue to digital recording, and it is every bit as enjoyable now as it was when I first heard it forty-five years ago.

Aren't we fortunate?

Customer Rating:
Aren't we fortunate to have lived in an age with two incredible geniuses?
Of course I am talking about Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin.
If you are too young to be familiar with either of them, I urge you to get
to know them now that we are lucky enough to have their works available on CD, DVD, etc.
On Christmas Day 1989 Lenny conducted a group of musicians from all over the
world in 2 performances of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The Berlin Wall had
just come down and this was his tribute to freedom.
Available on DVD it is truly overwhelming, I guess even more so since Lenny
would be dead before the year 1990 was out. Oh, how I miss him.
He also did a marvelous series of Young People's Concerts beginning in 1958
which I got from - where else? - Amazon.com and donated to a school where my
oldest grand daughter teaches. The previous year I had donated a book on
Fractals and a DVD and her students enjoyed learning - also from Amazon.
I tell you these because if you want to help educate our children it is so
easy just to order something, preferaby but not necessarily, from Amazon.
Louella E Rehfield

The Definitive Performance

Customer Rating:
This is the definitive performance of these great American classics. Both technically and creatively, this recording sets the standard.

A great version of a treasured music memory from childhood

Customer Rating:
I always loved Rhapsody in Blue, and I always loved Bernstein, so this was the right combination (and the right price). (An American in Paris in a nice addition, just not the favorite of RIB.) It's safely in my auto CD player now for those rare times when NPR is disappointing.