Bernstein: Symphonic Dances & Overtures (Royal Philharmnic/Davis)

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
New York! New York! Symphonic Dances and Overtures from the Musicals:
"West Side Story"
"On the Town"
"On the Waterfront"
"Candide"
"Fancy Free"
8 page booklet

Tracks:

Overture to Candide-Allegro molto con brio
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Prologue. Allegro moderato
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: 'Somewhere.' Adagio
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Scherzo. Vivace e leggiero
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Mambo. Presto
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Cha-Cha
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Meeting Scene. Meno mosso
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: 'Cool' Fugue. Allegretto
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Rumble. Molto allegro
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Finale. Adagio
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: Andante (with dignity)- Presto barbaro
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: Allegro molto
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: More Flowing
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: Moving forward, with warmth-Largamente-a tempo-Calmato-Andante come prima-sempre avanti,
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: Allegro non troppo, molto marcato
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: A tempo
Fancy Free Ballet: I. Enter three Sailors
Fancy Free Ballet: II. Scene at the Bar
Fancy Free Ballet: III. Enter two Girls
Fancy Free Ballet: IV. Pas de deux
Fancy Free Ballet: V. Competition Scene
Fancy Free Ballet: VI. Three Dance Variations: Variation I (Galop)
Fancy Free Ballet: VI. Three Dance Variations: Variation II (Waltz)
Fancy Free Ballet: VI. Three Dance Variations: Variation III (Danzon
Fancy Free Ballet: VII. Finale

Amazon.com

This release comes from Sony's immense backlog of famous recordings of Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic. In fact, these works trace the evolution of the New York Philharmonic into a world-class orchestra in the late 1950s under Bernstein's hand. At this remove in time, we can almost hear New York in these works. Bernstein deftly captures the shimmering glamour of his music, particularly in Overture to Candide and the astonishing Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. If you don't own this music--and these performances--you should. --Paul Cook

Amazon.com

Fancy Free provided Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, and Adolf Green with the inspiration for the his hit musical On the Town. The ballet describes the adventures of three sailors on 24-hour shore leave in New York City, and does so with music typically jazzy and popular in style. Coupled with the marvelous dance music from West Side Story and the suite from Bernstein's only film score, On the Waterfront, this disc should quickly become the cornerstone of any Bernstein collection. One of the problems Bernstein's music has faced both on disc and in public performance arises from the simple fact that no one played it better than he did. As you can hear for yourself, he's a tough, but perhaps not completely impossible, act to follow. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A one-of-a-kind (almost) collection.......2007-01-09

Anyone who loves Bernstein's theater music has probably owned this CD or its LP equivalent for decades. The sonics are still great--the huge, lush sound that Cloumbia favored for the NY Phil. in Manhattan Center. David Hurwitz is silly to say that Bernstein's music has had "a problem" because he conducted it so well. There's no problem, but it's undeniable that LB was his own ideal conductor. Recently Carl Davis, an experienced film conductor, has led the Royal Phil. of London in the same program we have here. The sound is updated somewhat, and the price is ultra-bargain. So for the first time in forty years one can say that LB has a close rival in the West Side Story suite.

One to remember Lenny by.......2005-02-17

A composer/conductor at the peak of his energy level in some of his own most vibrant music, working with an orchestra that (in these recordings anyway) was an extension of his personality--what more could you possibly want? In later years Bernstein re-recorded most of this music for DG (including the WSS "Symphonic Dances"), and while those readings are technically fine, they miss a lot of the verve and New York atmosphere that this CD exudes. The version I'm writing about is a 2004 reissue with remastered sound and a bonus in the form of Three Dance Episodes from "On the Town."

Fundamental recording icon ! .......2004-10-08

I am not a hard fan of Leonard Bernstein , but there are exceptional cases like this in which you simply have yo say : Bravo Maestro !
The Candide overture is terrific . Based on the Voltaire work , the overture of almost five minutes is a tribute to the life . played with dyonisiac enthusiasm and overpassing passion .
The West Side Story Suite is extraordinary played . Personally I do not know about any other performance which can match with this one .
On the waterfront is simply brilliant . This is the soundtrack of that brave film of Elia Kazan of the early fifties .
And Fancy free performing only matches with another version of the same director with the Columbia Symphony of 1950 . I hace it in vynil , because believe or not ; this recording has not transfered to CD .
But this set is simply fundamental for you . Be or not a fan of Bernstein , because that inspired music represents the golden years of Bernstein as composer and conductor .
The New York Philarmonic members played as real Greek Gods .
Supreme majesty and overwhelming passion .

Terrific performances.......2003-01-27

I bought this CD a few years ago just to for the "Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront," which is one of my all-time favorite classic film scores. The NYPO's performance is very robust and energetic, and easily the best version available of the piece. Bernstein recorded this same piece again many years later with the Israel Philharmonic, but I found it lacking the same drive and passion as the earlier one. The NYPO really captures the mood of New York and the struggle of the dockworkers, as Bernstein envisioned for the film. And they also splendidly perform the love theme, too.

The rest of the album is also very good, but they're largely his standards that you've probably once too often. "On the Waterfront" is certainly a treat for any fan of film music from Hollywood's Golden Age. One can only imagine what it would have been like had Bernstein scored more films, but apparently the experience he had (music was cut or removed around in the film) made him think twice. But this CD is a winner.

An amazing Bernstein snapshot.......2002-11-26

If I had to choose five recordings to represent Leonard Bernstein at his absolute best, this would be one of them. Made in the mid-1960's, these recordings have been reissued a number of times, but never sounding as natural as they do here. They show off some of Bernstein's best work as a composer, as well as his inimitable conducting talent and legendary rapport with the New York Philharmonic during that time.

The disc opens with the rollicking overture to "Candide" - totally infectious - and although some other versions (including Bernstein's later one for Deutsche Grammophon) may be its equal, I can think of none that surpass this one in sheer excitement and precision. Ditto for the sizzling suite from "West Side Story," which will probably remain definitive for many years.

The sweeping music from the film "On the Waterfront" is stirringly conducted, and the addition of the sparkling ballet "Fancy Free" makes this disc a serious contender for many "Desert Island" lists. As for the recording itself, the 1960's sound is excellent and quite listenable. Obviously great care has been taken to preserve the original source material after all these years.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95: I. Adagio - Allegro molto
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95: II. Largo
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95: III. Scherzo. Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95: IV. Allegro con fuoco
Carnival Overture, Op. 92: Allegro - Andante con moto - Allegro
Slavonic Dance No. 1in C Major: 1. Presto
Slavonic Dance No. 3 in A-flat Major: 1. Poco allegro

Amazon.com

This, the first of Leonard Bernstein's two recordings of this symphony, is vastly superior to his remake on DG. It's a vital, impulsive performance, with a daringly fast tempo in the Scherzo, and a very satisfying culmination in the closing pages. It's simply another reminder of what a reliable, and above all musical, conductor Bernstein was. This mid-price series, called "Bernstein Century," is a real collectors' edition. Great stuff. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding!.......2007-03-06

This performance of the classic "New World" symphony, in my opinion, is the best available. First of all, the remastering is outstanding, the performance is absolutely complete (following all the composer's 'repeat' indications in the score (something rarely heard or adhered to). The only thing I find to be somewhat disappointing (although really not a complaint) is Bernstein's breakneck tempi; this is a pet-peeve of mine applicable to almost every present-day or recent conductor. Slow it down man! This recording is so far the only one I'd recommend to new listeners. BRAVO

The Best one Edition of Dvorak Symphony No.9.......2007-01-22

This record is so particularly than any other records of Dvorak Symphony No.9, especially its cello and double bass part. WOW! It's so clear and powerful.

Not as much as I expected, but fairly descent enough........2004-08-03

Bernstein has been one of my favorite conductor of all times, but as for many famed conductors, some performances, genre to genre, composer to composer, are quite outstanding, and others not so impressive. In the CBS/Sony Mahler's Symphony No. 1, Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, and much of Copland's pieces and his own are among his highlights. I was quite disgusted, on the other hand by the poor somewhat empty performance (and some really 50's cinematic sound quality... quite shoddy), such as Respighi's Pines of Rome.

As for this album, I would categorize this performance of Dvorak's "New World Symphony" somewhere in between. There are some parts quite off the edge; many of Bernstein's recordings have somewhat unique interpretations, but I personally don't like some exposed in this piece. In the fourth movement especially, the instant change of tempo from fast to slow, and visa versa was a bit distracting. Other than than it's okay.

My ups, on the other hand, would be the ever-nailbiting first movement, the high tempo really prompts us for a eleven minute trek through the ocean... that was what I was imagining. The scherzo was quite fast too.

As for the "Going Home" theme, it is well-played, even though I still prefer Solti's and Karajan's which seems to touch me more, and Lenny's bit-slug-paced DG recording with the Isreal Phil, 18 minutes of a musical meditation.

Thumbs way up for the Carnival Overture! Packs quite a punch... my favorite performance of the piece, along with Zubie's (Zubin Mehta) collaboration with the same orchestra.

The selected Slovanic Dances are good, but Szell's complete set would be the one to look for.

Some ups and few downs, but that's only my taste. Listen to find out what you think.

For Bernstein Fans.......2003-06-25

This is a very good recording of Dvorak 9. It is not the best that I have heard (I can recall a late Karajan and especially the late 50s Szell/Cleavland SO) but Berntsein, the quintessential American conductor, very aptly caputres the spirit of this, a quintessential American symphony. I simply don't feel that Bernstein dedicated his whole self into making this the perfect recording. I can say this honestly because I've heard him come as close to perfection as is possible in several other recordings however I simply do not feel that energy here.

This is a very good recording, top 10 percentile, but it is neither the best example of Dvorak's work nor the best example of Bernstein's work.

A CD full of ups and downs.......2003-01-08

Dvorak's 9th is easily one of the most famous pieces of classical music, and certainly I share in the love that many have for this piece. I know it very well, and thus it's been hard to find a recording that truly agrees with me.

I hate to give such a difference of opinion here, but I really do not have the same opinion as most people seem to with this recording of Dvorak's 9th. The reason for this is mainly the second movement; for whatever reason, many conductors take this piece at a tempo that to my ears just seems very slow and pondering. Yes, it is an adagio, but it is also a very song-like melody that needs to flow, and Bernstein here simply does not put forth the forward movement that to me is needed here. In the 4th movement, also, he seems to slow and speed a bit too eclecticly that grates on me, though the music is marvelously played with wonderful brass.

On the flip side, there are the first and third movements. Simply put, this is the finest rendition of the first movement I've ever heard. It contains all the enegery needed, and what is possibly my favorite musical moment ever -- the spot where there is a low flute solo at the end of the exposition -- is so beautiful I want to melt. So to the third movement is great, though perhaps a bit TOO fast (better too fast than too slow in this case, though), and if it weren't for the second movement's problems I'd say that these two movements make this a must buy.

Tracks:

Gone With The Wind: Overture
Citizen Kane: Overture
Casablanca: As Time Goes By
It's A Wonderful Life: It's A Wonderful Life
The Third Man: The Harry Lime Theme
The Searchers: Suite
The Bridge On The River Kwai: Colonel Bogey March
Vertigo: Prelude
Touch Of Evil: Main Title
Ben-Hur: Parade Of The Charioteers
North By Northwest: Prelude
Psycho: Suite
The Magnificent Seven: The Magnificent Seven
Lawrence Of Arabia: Overture

Tracks:

To Kill A Mockingbird: Suite
The Great Escape: Main Title
Doctor Zhivago: Main Title & Lara's Theme
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
Once Upon A Time In The West: Jill's Theme
2001: A Space Odyssey: Also Sprach Zarathustra
Midnight Cowboy: Midnight Cowboy
Get Carter: Main Title
A Clockwork Orange: Ode To Joy
The Godfather: Waltz & Love Theme
Jaws: Jaws
Rocky: Gonna Fly Now
Taxi Driver: Suite
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope

Tracks:

Superman: Main Theme
Alien: End Title
Raging Bull: Intermezzo From Cavalleria Rusticana
Raiders Of The Lost Ark: Raiders March
Blade Runner: End Titles
E.T.: The Extraterrestrial: Adventures On Earth
Once Upon A Time In America: Deborah's Theme
Back To The Future: Main Theme
Witness: Building The Barn
Aliens: Main Title
Cinema Paradiso: Cinema Paradiso
Glory: Charging Frot Wagner
Dances With Wolves: The John Dunbar Theme
Unforgiven: Claudia's Theme

Tracks:

The Piano: The Heart Asks Pleasure First
Schindler's List: Main Theme
Braveheart: End Credits
Titanic: My Heart Will Go On
Saving Private Ryan: Hymn To The Fallen
American Beauty: Any Other Name
Gladiator: Now We Are Free
Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring: The Fellowship
The Girl With The Pearl Earring: Griet's Theme
Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl: Suite
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban: Suite
Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events: The Letter That Never Came
Finding Neverland: Impossible Opening
The Incredibles: Overture

Customer Reviews:

Six Decades of Film Music.......2007-05-13

This is film music for the classical music lover. The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra presents excellent arrangements of a number of classic film themes (although several pieces of the 56 film classics selected for this 4 CD set are not orchestral arrangements, but rather specialty arrangements). Besides great film composers such as John Williams, Elmer Bernstein, Ennio Morricone, and James Horner, classical composers such as Richard Strauss and Pietro Mascagni make an appearance. On several of the numbers the Crouch End Festival Chorus adds the human voice to the power of the full symphonic orchestra to create true movie magic. If you like the sound of a full symphony orchestra playing some of the most recognized themes ever written, you'll love these CDs.

Excellent collection with fine performances.......2007-03-28

Silva Screen Records, based in England, has been issuing some fine collections of film scores, more in one box than we have the right to expect. This four-CD box contains scores by many of the best writers, including Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, Dimitri Tomkin, Kenneth J. Alford (The Bridge on the River Kwai), Elmer Bernstein, Maurice Jarre, Ennio Marricone, John Barry, Nino Rota, John Williams, James Horner, and more. We can all think of additional film scores we wished were included, but then there's no way this collection could be all-inclusive. The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, supplemented by Crouch End Festival Chorus on some numbers, does a very competent job...The liner notes give the basic information without any commentary, and as far as I can see, contain only one error. Am I wrong or are tracks 9 and 10 on the fourth CD mislabeled? Track 9, which runs 7:33, seems to have the excitement of "Pirates of the Caribbean" (which I did not see) and track 10, which runs 4:22, the more sedate "The Girl with the Pearl Earring (which I also did not see). Listings seem to have them reversed.

"essential film scores from 1939 to 2004 ~ Incredible Music".......2005-05-16

When I think of the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, many composers come to mind...you gave the usher your ticket in the theater and sat down, knowingly you were going to get your moneys worth...when the curtain opened and you heard those first few notes...you sat back, watched and listened as the film score and orchestra worked their magic...now we have the ultimate from Silva Screen Classics "The Incredible Film Music Box", featuring a four disc set of the essential film scores of the past 60 years...covering several decades from 1939 through and up to the present 2004

There are compilations and then there are "Compilations" beginning with a classic that even the youngsters today recognize "GONE WITH THE WIND" (1939) (Max Steiner), sweeping score that captures the tragic history of the South during the Civil War, one great cue after another, it doesn't get any better than this, nominated by the Academy for Best Original Score...and closing on Disc 4 with "THE INCREDIBLES" (2004) (Michael Giacchino), the big hit in computer animation from Walt Disney & Pixar that once again pit Super-Heroes against the forces of evil...our family of five Supers prove crime doesn't pay, but box-office receipts do...gotta love it!

Silva Screen Classics as usual, has put quality into this 4-CD-Set featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus conducted by Kenneth Alwyn, Bill Ashton, Paul Bateman, James Fitzpatrick, Mario Klemens, Derek Wadsworth, and Nic Raine. Recorded in "Dolby Surround" with the new technology of "HDCD", this is a "film-score-buffs" dream, one to treasure now and years to come.

Some selections are missing, but when you think of what Silva has included, it is impossible to please everyone...was happy to see "TOUCH OF EVIL" (1958) from composer Henry Mancini, as I feel this composer deserves all the recognition that has been overlooked recently in the music world...This collection is aimed directly at the "Serious Film Score" music fans and collectors...Silva is as always, perfect in every way...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 4-CD-Set ~ Silva America 1181 ~ (5/10/2005)

Average customer rating:

SLAUGHTER ON TENTH AVE- Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops
Great Ballet Music CD - Buy It!
It's a starry, moonlit night in 50's Manhattan....
THIS IS BAD
Unique collection of Dances

Rodgers: Slaughter on Tenth Avenue

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue / Concerto in F / An American in Paris / Variations on "I Got Rhythm" - Earl Wild / Boston Pops Orchestra / Arthur Fiedler
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Bill Evans Trio with Symphony Orchestra
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ASIN: B000003G4E
Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

On Your Toes: Slaughter On Tenth Avenue
Interplay: Gavotte
Interplay: Blues
Fancy Free: Galop
Fancy Free: Waltz
Fancy Free: Danzon
The Three Cornered Hat: The Neighbor's Dance
The Three Cornered Hat: The Miller's Dance
The Three Cornered Hat: Final Dance
The Age Of Gold: Polka
Rodeo: Hoedown
Estancia: Malambo
Gayane: Sabre Dance

Customer Reviews:

SLAUGHTER ON TENTH AVE- Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops.......2007-03-14

On this album, recorded in 1958, Fiedler is at its best. "Slaughter on Tenth Ave" is a great musical score and a famous black and white, gangster film was made of it back in 1951 and released in 1952, starring Richard Egan.
This album is another reason why the Boston Pops is my favorite classical orchestra and the late maestro Arthur Fiedler was a true master of his profession. His work will never be forgotten. Having lived in Boston for nearly 17 years, made the Boston Pops my favorite of the genre.
I highly recommend this album.

Great Ballet Music CD - Buy It!.......2005-09-25

This CD is a great collection of modern-style moving ballet music by famous composers. Really swings!
Nice range of music styles, excellent orchestration & performances.

Serious music lovers shoud buy it!

John Norville

It's a starry, moonlit night in 50's Manhattan...........2003-02-16

...And this album is the perfect soundtrack to it. In this compilation are the creme de la creme of modern nocturnal classical pieces, with the exception of Khatchaturian's Sabre Dance. Here is the anthem of Manhattan itself, "Slaughter On Tenth Avenue" by Richard Rodgers, "Gavotte and Blues" by Morton Gould, "Fancy Free: Gallop, Danzon and Waltz" by Bernstein, "The Three Cornered Hat" By De Falla and the "Age of Gold Polka" by Shostakovich, a piece to help bring up images of an old string-marionette puppet show. However, for some odd reason, "Petrouschka" by Igor Stravinsky and one of the most beautiful melodies you'll ever hear, Gian-Carlo Menotti's "Barcarolle from 'Sebastian'" have been left off of this version of the album, to be replaced by the woefully out-of-place, (and totally mediocre,) "Estancia: Malambo" by somebody named Ginastera. This is a bloody shame, for the left out pieces really enhanced the feel of the whole album! Still, though, what is left will mentally put you in a cherry paneled den with subdued ligting, in a big red leather easy chair, puffing on the most aromatic pipe you own, (if you smoke,) reading your favorite Raymond Chandler novel. I can't recommend it highly enough! (The album, not smoking!)

By all means, beware of later incarnations of this album which were altered beyond all recongition, with only "Rodeo" and "Fancy Free" left on it, along with the title tune. It is NOT the same album! Somebody at BMG had the good sense to find THIS incarnation in RCA's catalog, which isn't TOO mangled, to represent Fiedler and the Pops at their finest, and market it in lieu of the latter mistake! The original, "Orthophonic" version, which included "Sebastian" and "Petrouschka", is, apparently, either still buried in RCA's vaults, or, regrettably, no more....

I often picture Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse traipsing down 1st Ave. to the best music on this album. The "Fancy Free" pieces would have made GREAT title themes for Tim Burton's "Batman " movies. (Okay, Warner's...remember me when you use that idea!)

If you lived through the fifties either as an adult or a child, or if you want to know what nighttime felt like in a good urban neighborhood between 1930 and 1960, GET THIS ALBUM!!

THIS IS BAD.......2002-03-18

I THOUGHT THIS CD WAS VERY BAD. I REALLY DIDN'T LIKE IT AND I DON'T THINK ANYONE WILL. IT IS OLD FASHIONED AND NOT A GOOD CD FOR PEOPLE TO LISTEN TO NOWADAYS.

Unique collection of Dances.......2000-03-27

I first purchased this music in vinyl record form in 1960. At the time, I was looking for a hi-fi version of Slaughter On Tenth Avenue and this recording was the only one available in town.

The title music was all I wanted it to be and it was pure serendipity to also receive the rest of the selections on the record. Some I was familiar with, but the rest have since become some of my favorite music. The fact that I am back getting a CD of the music helps attest to its timeless value. After almost exactly 40 years I am still not tired of it and am looking forward to being able to hear it again in about the clearest form possible. Now I will be able to listen to it in my car as well as at home.

Maybe it will help to know that I think Slaughter On Tenth Avenue is the best piece of American music ever composed.

Tracks:

Candide: Overture
Variations On 'America'
New England Triptych: Be Glad Then, America
New England Triptych: When Jesus Wept
New England Triptych: Chester
Adagio For Strings, Op. 11
American Salute ('When Johnny Comes Marching Home')
The Pleasure Dome Of Kubla Khan
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: To A Wild Rose
Promenade
Cakewalk: Grand Walkaround
Jamaican Rumba
On Your Toes: Slaughter On Tenth Avenue
Acadian Songs And Dances: Sadness
Acadian Songs And Dances: Papa's Tune
Acadian Songs And Dances: The Alligator And The 'Coon
Acadian Songs And Dances: Super-Sadness
Acadian Songs And Dances: The Squeeze Box

Customer Reviews:

excellent collection.......2002-06-11

i'm just going to write about my favorite piece on here, which has been heard by all who saw Platoon. that is Barber's Adagio. hearing this piece conducted here by Bernstein sends chills down my spine, especially in the well done section using silence after the climactic rise in notes!

A Classic Performance of Schuman!.......2000-09-17

I must agree with the previous reviewer, that "American Masterpieces" comprises a very thoughtful collection yet suffers slightly from poor interpretation of certain pieces. But the presence alone of the classic performance of William Schuman's "New England Triptych" by Andre Kostelanetz and the New York Philharmonic makes this compilation all worth it. I have looked forward for this particular version of Schuman's work to be released on compact disc for several years, in the meantime not being entirely satisfied with other versions that have circulated, i.e. Howard Hanson/the Eastman-Rochester Orchestra on the Mercury Living Presence label, -very poorly executed with an off-key, off-timed horn in the first movement, or the version on the RCA label by Leonard Slatkin and the St.Louis Symph.Orch. which is very well done, yet to my ear still does not compare to the depth and lively energy with which Kostelanetz and the New York Philharmonic presents this work.

I was disappointed with the manner with which the first two pieces by Berstein and Ives were conducted. The "Candide Orchestra" lacked the sensitivity of the performance by Lukas Foss /Milwaukee SO on the Pro Arte label, while Slatkin does a much better job with the Ives piece for RCA.

But the remainder of colorful material following Schuman on this CD - even with the overdone "Adagio for Strings" by Barber - makes for a very rewarding listening experience, with the only disappointing exception of the third piece ( "A Narrative") curiously missing from Virgil Thomson's "Acadian Songs and Dances", yet present on an old scratchy, mono LP that I have on the Decca label (Thomas Scherman /the Little Orchestra Society). Did Thomson later revise this suite? Or did this CD run out of space? If the latter is true, one can only wish that Barber's overplayed "Adagio" would have been bumped to make room for the entirety of Thomson's superb "Acadian Songs".

American Masterpieces - For pleasure or music ed. resource.......2000-07-28

The American Masterpieces CD is an excellent compilation of music that is uniquely American. Much of the material is based on folk sources, and all of it is thoughtfully selected. The only negative is that some of the music is not the best version available, but I'm sure that's due to the limitations of the Sony label. The "Adagio for Strings," for example, is taken at a slightly fast tempo, lessening the dramatic impact of the build-up. The selections are a music educator's delight. Bernstein's "Candide Overture" is perfection. Ives' "Variations on America" is a wonderful study in the use of a familiar theme in an unusual manner. "When Jesus Wept" can be sung by a chorus and then compared with Schuman's treatment. Gould's "American Salute" is an exciting study in theme and variations on the familiar tune, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." And, of course, Gershwin's "Promenade" is delightful, and an excellent follow-up for the Fantasia 2000 film. The reason I bought the recording was for the Gottschalk "Grand Walkaround" and "Jamaican Rumba" by Benjamin. Both are based on American folk materials (Sweet Potatoes - Louisiana, and Mango Walk, respectively). The original songs can be sung, compared, performed in an Orff arrangement, and then presented in the orchestral interpretations. The folk songs are both found in the McGraw Hill music series, Share the Music, Grade 5. If you like this CD, try the American Salute CD from Musical Heritage Society.

Music In Film (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium)

Average customer rating:

Worth it for "Conquest" alone
A GREAT COMPILATION!
So So Compilation
Deserves more than five stars
Music In Film (NPR Milestones of the Millennium

Music In Film (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000HXL1
Release Date: 1999-01-12

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Robin Hood And His Merry Men (The Adventures Of Robin Hood - 1938)
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Film Suite For Orchestra: Morning on the Ranch (The Red Pony - 1949)
A Place In The Sun: Suite (A Place In The Sun - 1951)
Theme (High Noon - 1952)
'Andante (With Dignity) - Presto barbaro' (Symphonic Suite) (On The Waterfront - 1954)
Prelude (East Of Eden - 1955)
Working On The Bridge (The Bridge OnThe River Kwai - 1957)
Parade Of Charioteers (Ben-Hur - 1959)
Theme (The Magnificent Seven - 1960)
Prelude (Vertigo - 1958)
The Murder (Psycho - 1960) - Psycho
La passerella di addio (8.5 - 1963)
Main Title (The Lion In Winter - 1968)
Main Theme (Star Wars - 1977)
The Imperial March (The Empire Strikes Back - 1980)
The John Dunbar Theme (Dances With Wolves - 1990)
Leaving Port (Titanic - 1997)

Amazon.com

Good film music should be seen and not heard--that is, it's usually there for background, to reinforce what you're seeing, not to draw attention to itself. So why listen to it? Often that's a mystery, but the items in this collection seem to have been selected because they are interesting music (Prokofiev, Copland, Bernstein) or because they are so familiar that they bring back memories of favorite movies (Laura, High Noon, Star Wars). Like much movie music, a lot of these items are sentimental and overblown, even the more famous ones. (Those famous screaming strings in Psycho can sound silly without the onscreen action.) But if you want one movie-music CD in your collection, this may be the one to have. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Worth it for "Conquest" alone.......2005-09-12

The stirring martial music from the movie "Captain from Castille" ("Conquest") is on this album and so far as I know it's the only CD you'll find it on. But other tracks are great also, including the "Parade of the Charioteers" from "Ben Hur," the theme from "The Magnificent Seven," and "The Imperial March" from Star Wars.

A GREAT COMPILATION!.......2005-06-05

I've come to appreciate soundtracks more and more. This compilation progresses chronologically through 60 years of film music, starting with 1939's "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood", and ending with "Titanic". It encompasses a huge range of styles. Along with the usual suspects - music from "Ben-Hur", "The Magnificent 7", "Star Wars", et al, there are a few real sleepers, like John Barry's medieval-flavored theme to "The Lion in Winter", or Leonard Roseman's lyrical "East of Eden". Blessedly, most of the tracks are original recordings, conducted by the composers, among them Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. Only those of us burned by tinny, tacky, sacriligiously rearranged retreads on obscure labels can appreciate this.

There are a few notable omissions. The prolific Randy Newman isn't represented, though Uncle Alfred is. And NO Ennio Morricone? - incredible! Presumably, this has more to do with Sony's current copyrights and contracts than the relative merits of the composers. And it's fine to have John Williams included twice, but why two pieces from "Star Wars"? Why not the theme from "Jaws", for instance? Or "Sugarland Express", for a really unexpected treat? But these are minor quibbles. And for whatever it's lacking, there's no fluff substituted. This is real music from fine craftsmen, which sometimes attains art. A great intro to the form, and wonderful just to listen to. I bought it used - one of my best deals ever!

So So Compilation.......2002-01-14

My major interest in this CD was in the selection entitled "Robin Hood And His Merry Men" (duration: 4 min, 28 sec), conducted by John Williams, and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. It turns out that this is a re-issue of the track from Sony Classical SK 62788, 1997. Surprisingly, this performance is poky, ponderous, and prodding. The conducting is, well, somnambulistic. Miking/mixing/processing yields a sonic brick deficient in instrumental nuances while sounding like way too many musicians were shoe horned into the recording studio. As for the rest of the tracks, it's hard to believe, but Silva America offers better compilations! Best to skip this one.

Deserves more than five stars.......2000-06-23

I have several discs of film music, and this one if by far the best. As one of the previous reviewers noted, there are many peices absent that could have been included here, but I don't see how anyone could be completely satisfied with any compilation that fit on just one disc.

The performances here are crisp and clear, and include a good selection of both old and new, ranging from traditional film favorites like the Star Wars theme, to less common selections like the screeching strings from Psycho (at least, I think they're less common, but I could be wrong). And I could listen to the Magnificent Seven theme over and over.

Anyway, this is a great disc for almost anyone. If you're looking for one thing in particular, find that film's soundtrack, but otherwise, this is a fantastic disc, and one of my favorites!

Music In Film (NPR Milestones of the Millennium.......2000-05-02

Great CD;the music is crystal clear with an excellent variety demonstrating the wide variety of musical talents in Hollywood. Liner notes are also most interesting, explaining some of the history behind the cuts and pointing out differences in the composers styles...as with John Barry. His style ranges from "the Lion in Winter" bold dramatic soundtrack to the exquisitley tender "Dances with Wolves" theme music. A CD to enjoy over and over

Bernstein: Candide Overture & Symphonic Dances

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Bernstein: Candide Overture & Symphonic Dances

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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West Side Story/Candide/On the Town (3 Dances)
Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO

ASIN: B0002J58R4
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Symphonic Dances & Songs from West Side Story

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Like West Side Story? Like the Piano? This is for You!

Symphonic Dances & Songs from West Side Story

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Encore!
Little Girl Blue
Gershwin: I Got Rhythm (Music for 2 Pianos)
An American in Paris
Piano Fantasy: Music for Two Pianos

ASIN: B0000026XK
Release Date: 1989-06-19

Tracks:

Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': Overture
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': Scherzando
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': Blues
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': Somewhere
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': Scherzo - Andante Con Moto; Vivace Il Legero
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': Mambo
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': Cha-Cha
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': Cool
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': The Rumble
Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story': I Have a Love - Finale
Songs From 'West Side Story': Something's Coming
Songs From 'West Side Story': Maria
Songs From 'West Side Story': America
Songs From 'West Side Story': Jet Song
Songs From 'West Side Story': One Hand, One Heart
Songs From 'West Side Story': I Feel Pretty
Songs From 'West Side Story': Tonight
Songs From 'West Side Story': A Boy Like That; I Have a Love

Customer Reviews:

Like West Side Story? Like the Piano? This is for You!.......2006-06-08

The remarkable piano playing sisters Katia and Marielle Labeque have done it again with this upbeat, rich piano interpretation of Leonard Bernstein's beloved masterpiece, West Side Story. The Labeque duo plays the Symphonic dances and songs from the musical as transcribed by Irwin Kostal for two pianos. When Kostal went to get Bernstein's endorsement, his first reaction was "What about the percussion?" No fear, Lenny, the Labeques rock out with the Symphonic Dances with two percussionists and a jazz drummer.

1. Overture: Short, but engaging. Gets your attention. ***
2. Scherzando: Sweet and snazzy. It's basically the prologue. ***
3. Blues: Enthralling take on the piano. Great percussions. ***
4. Somewhere: Beautiful and rich. A real tear-jerker. *****
5. Scherzo: A fun song. Great performance by both sisters. ***
6. Mambo: Fantastic! Upbeat and wild, this is my all-time favorite. *****
7. Cha-Cha: Sweet. This song always sounds great on a piano. (Or two in this case!) ****
8. Cool: Awesome! The Labeques play this piece with a jazz flair. *****
9. Rumble: This is the rumble, every note right on key. ***
10. I Have a Love (Finale): Beautiful...get your hanky out for this one. ****
11. Something's Coming: Never one of my favorites, but the Labeques do a good job, as always. ***
12. Maria: Strong and passionate. Beautiful piano playing by both sisters. ****
13. America: Starts off high and upbeat. Awesome high-voltage playing. Powerful! *****
14. Jet Song: Upbeat and rocky, the Labeques boogie woogie this one. ****
15. One Hand, One Heart: Not as powerful as the others, but wonderful all the same. ****
16. I Feel Pretty: Again, not one of my favorites, but Kostal turned this one into a sweet, music box composition. At first, actually, the Labeques didn't want to include I Feel Pretty, but in the end were pleased by Kostal's Chopin-like arrangement. ***
17. Tonight: Enthralling! Sends shivers up my spine. Amazing music. *****
18. A Boy Like That/I Have a Love: Amazing, passionate. Very, very passionate. *****

Overall, this CD is a five star all the way. Lenny would be proud.

West Side Story/Candide/On the Town (3 Dances)

Average customer rating:

What else? Definitive
Jazzy stuff

West Side Story/Candide/On the Town (3 Dances)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Bernstein: Candide Overture & Symphonic Dances
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Bernstein Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, etc
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B0000026FF
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Candide: Overture
West Side Story: Symphonic Dances
On The Town: I The Great Lover Displays Himself
On The Town: II Lonely Town (Pas de deux)
On The Town: Act 1: III Times Square (Finale)
On The Waterfront: Symphonic Suite

Amazon.com essential recording

Nothing can compare with Bernstein's own accounts of his music. The best recordings are still the ones he made with the New York Philharmonic for Columbia, when scores such as Candide and West Side Story were still "new" music. Originally produced by John McClure (and remixed by him for CD), these recordings of the Candide Overture and the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story have never been bettered, not even by Bernstein. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

What else? Definitive.......2005-09-11

Bernstein was the greatest conductor of Bernstein, and nothing has changed over the decades. This pressing of some classic performances comes from early digital remastering, I believe, and later remasterings remove some of the harshness and sketchiness of the sonics. Also, one has to be prepared for the huge orchestral forces that inflate this theater music, but even so, nothing matches these readings.

Jazzy stuff.......2000-06-10

This is all basically the music of Bernstein's Symphonic dances condensed into one little CD. Excellent CD considering its price where many other Westside story CD's go for 30 dollars or more. A definate buy.

Mussorsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, etc.

Average customer rating:

Bernstein is highly original and personal in Pictures
Best recording I could find...
Mixed Bag
Mediocre Pictures....Good Songs and Dances
EXCELLENT! FANTASTIC!!

Mussorsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, etc.

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Brahms: Symphony No. 4 / Overtures
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ASIN: B00000C29A
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade - Allegro giusto, nel modo russico; senza allegrezzo, ma poco sostenuto
Pictures At An Exhibition: I. Gnomus - Vivo
Pictures At An Exhibition: I. Promenade - Moderato comodo e con delicatezza
Pictures At An Exhibition: II. Il vecchio castello - Andante
Pictures At An Exhibition: II. Promenade - Moderato non tanto, pesante
Pictures At An Exhibition: III. Tuileries - Allegretto non troppo, capriccioso
Pictures At An Exhibition: IV. Bydlo - Sempre moderato, pesante
Pictures At An Exhibition: IV. Promenade - Tranquillo
Pictures At An Exhibition: V. Ballet des poussins dans leurs coques - Scherzino. Vivo leggiero
Pictures At An Exhibition: VI. Samuel Goldenberg And Schmuyle - Andante
Pictures At An Exhibition: VII. Limoges. Le Marche - Allegretto vivo, sempre scherzando
Pictures At An Exhibition: VIII. Catacombae. Sepulcum romanum - Largo
Pictures At An Exhibition: VIII. Cum mortuis in lingua mortua - Andante non troppo, con lamento
Pictures At An Exhibition: IX. La Cabane sur des pattes de poule - Allegro con brio, feroce - Andante mosso - Allegro molto
Pictures At An Exhibition: X. La grande porte de Kiev - Allegro alla breve. Maestoso. Con grandezza
St. John's Night On The Bare Mountain
Songs And Dances Of Death: I. Trepak
Songs And Dances Of Death: II. Lullaby
Songs And Dances Of Death: III. Serenade
Songs And Dances Of Death: IV. The Field Marshal

Customer Reviews:

Bernstein is highly original and personal in Pictures.......2007-02-20

Two things conspired to keep me from discovering this one-of-a-kind 'Pictures at an Exhibition' sooner. First, there are enough great recordings to go around from Reiner, Karajan, Stokowksi--name your own. Second, I assumed that Bernstien would conduct this thrice-familiar piece simply as a commercial duty. I was wrong: this is the most personal performance among the great ones. Bernstein has ideas and feelings in every section, and with the NY Phil. at its virtuosic best, the whole thing is an enchanting discovery.

Bernstein's secret is that he goes to the heart of the music rather than just conducting Ravel's brilliant orchestration. As a result, we feel we are looking at separate paintings on the wall, just as Mussorgsky intended, each with its own flavor, more often than not tinged with melancholy (after all, Mussorgsky's artist friend had died). Compared to this account, all the others I own seem a bit shallow and glittery--this one is pure soul.

The sound is impeccable in the current remastering, and we get two outstanding fillers. First, a thrilling Night on Bald Mountain that gives Stokowski's a run for its money while retaining more musical integrity. Second, Bernstein accompanies his great fried, mezzo Jennie Tourel, in four Songs and Dances of Death (in clean early Fifties mono). It's interesting to hear a non-Slavic voice in these pieces, and our two performers are so ebullient that they turn in one of the least grim versions on disc.

Best recording I could find..........2004-03-19

After going through 8 different recordings of this Pictures at an Exhibition, I concluded that this one is the best of the lot. All the others were somewhat (or extremely) lackluster. This one is much more alive. I recommend it!

Mixed Bag.......2000-11-13

Bernstein's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is somewhat lackluster and flat sounding. I own a Stanley Black recording on vinyl that sounds better than this piece! However, "Songs and Dances of Death" is very good and may be worthwhile to you.

Mediocre Pictures....Good Songs and Dances.......2000-10-24

Songs and Dances of Death, here performed by Bernstein and Jennie Tourel, is the only reason why anyone would need this CD. However, given the relative brevity of the piece, it really can't save the entire CD. Bernstein's Pictures at an Exhibition is fairly mediocre...3 stars at best. For a more satisfying recording, try Fritz Reiner conducting the Chicago Symphony on RCA's Living Stereo series. Though by now a cliché, the Chicago brass is really amazing in that recording. By comparison, the New York brass seems pinched and small. Just compare the trumpet solos on the first tracks of both CDs. Herseth (of Chicago) displays great control as always over his instrument, while the New York principal's high notes sound wobbled. And that's only 15 seconds into the CD!! The Reiner CD also includes Mussorgsky's Night on the Bare Mountain along with many other Russian show-pieces like Tchaikovsky's Marche Slave. Best of all is that the RCA CD costs just as much as the Bernstein CD!! Therefore, unless you are looking for a recording of the Songs and Dances of Death (mono recording here, by the way), you can do much better than this CD.

EXCELLENT! FANTASTIC!!.......1999-06-22

Just the Pictures on a Exhibition would have been worth it, but with the added Songs and Dances of Death, this CD is truly amazing. Get this CD.

Music Review: