Immerse yourself in the genius of Leonard Bernstein with this extraordinary live collection, "Bernstein Conducts Bernstein." This album, released on Deutsche Grammophon, offers an unparalleled journey through the composer's most celebrated works, performed by the maestro himself. Spanning over four hours, this comprehensive set features live recordings that capture the energy and brilliance of Bernstein's conducting, showcasing his deep connection with the music he created.
The album opens with Bernstein's powerful Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah," followed by the profound Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety." These symphonies, performed live, offer a unique insight into Bernstein's interpretive prowess and his ability to convey the depth and complexity of his compositions. The set also includes the moving Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish," a work that reflects Bernstein's exploration of Jewish liturgy and personal reflection.
In addition to the symphonies, the album features a selection of Bernstein's choral and orchestral works, including the serene "Chichester Psalms" and the playful "Serenade After Plato's 'Symposium'." The ballet suite "Fancy Free" is also included, showcasing Bernstein's versatility as a composer and his ability to blend classical and popular styles.
The album also includes lesser-known works such as the "Dybbuk Suite" and "Songfest," providing a comprehensive overview of Bernstein's diverse musical output. Each piece is performed with the same passion and precision that defined Bernstein's career, making this album an essential addition to any classical music collection.
This live collection is a testament to Leonard Bernstein's enduring legacy as a conductor and composer. It offers a rare opportunity to experience his music as he intended it to be heard, live and unfiltered. Whether you are a longtime fan of Bernstein's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah": I. Prophecy. Largamente - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah": II. Profanation. Vivace con brio - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah": III. Lamentation. Lento - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Christa Ludwig, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety", Pt. 1: I. The Prologue. Lento moderato - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Lukas Foss, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety", Pt. 1: IIa. The 7 Ages. Vars. 1-7 - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Lukas Foss, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety", Pt. 1: IIb. The 7 Stages. Vars. 8-14 - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Lukas Foss, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety", Pt. 2: III. The Dirge. Largo - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Lukas Foss, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety", Pt. 2: IV. The Masque. Extremely Fast - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Lukas Foss, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety", Pt. 2: V. The Epilogue. L'istesso tempo – Adagio/Andante – Quasi cadenza – Lento molto - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Lukas Foss, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish": Ia. Invocation. AdagioLeonard Bernstein, Michael Wager, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish": Ib. Kaddish 1. L'istesso tempo – Allegro moltoLeonard Bernstein, Michael Wager, Wiener Jeunesse-Chor, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish": IIa. Din – Torah: Di nuovo adagioLeonard Bernstein, Michael Wager, Wiener Jeunesse-Chor, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish": IIb. Kaddish 2. Andante con tenerezzaLeonard Bernstein, Montserrat Caballé, Michael Wager, Vienna Boys' Choir, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish": IIIa. Kaddish 3. Scherzo – Presto scherzando, sempre pianissimoLeonard Bernstein, Michael Wager, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish": IIIb. Kaddish 3. Finale – Adagio come nel Din-TorahLeonard Bernstein, Michael Wager, Vienna Boys' Choir, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish": IIIc. Kaddish 3. Allegro vivo, con gioiaLeonard Bernstein, Montserrat Caballé, Michael Wager, Vienna Boys' Choir, Wiener Jeunesse-Chor, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Chichester Psalms: I. Psalm 108.2 – Psalm 100 - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Wiener Jeunesse-Chor, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Chichester Psalms: II. Psalm 23.1-4 – Psalm 2.1-4 – Psalm 23.5-6 - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Wiener Jeunesse-Chor, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Chichester Psalms: III. Psalm 131 – Psalm 133.1 - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Wiener Jeunesse-Chor, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Serenade After Plato's "Symposium": I. Phaedrus – Pausanias. Lento – Allegro marcato - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Gidon Kremer, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Serenade After Plato's "Symposium": II. Aristophanes. Allegretto - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Gidon Kremer, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Serenade After Plato's "Symposium": III. Erixymachus. Presto - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Gidon Kremer, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Serenade After Plato's "Symposium": IV. Agathon. Adagio - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Gidon Kremer, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Serenade After Plato's "Symposium": V. Socrates – Alcibiades. Molto tenuto – Allegro molto vivace - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Gidon Kremer, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: "Big Stuff" Blues, Pt. 1 - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Dicky Tarrach, Thissy Thiers, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: I. Enter Three Sailors - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Dicky Tarrach, Thissy Thiers, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: II. Scene at the Bar - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Dicky Tarrach, Thissy Thiers, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: III. Enter Two Girls - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Dicky Tarrach, Thissy Thiers, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: IV. Pas de Deux - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Dicky Tarrach, Thissy Thiers, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: V. Competition Scene - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Dicky Tarrach, Thissy Thiers, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: VI. Variation 1. Galop - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Dicky Tarrach, Thissy Thiers, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: VII. Variation 2. Waltz - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Thissy Thiers, Dicky Tarrach, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: VIII. Variation 3. Danzon - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Thissy Thiers, Dicky Tarrach, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Fancy Free: IX. Finale - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Ruth Mense, Thissy Thiers, Dicky Tarrach, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Dybbuk Suite No. 1: I. Invocation and TranceLeonard Bernstein, Paul Sperry, Bruce Fifer, New York Philharmonic
Dybbuk Suite No. 1: II. The PledgeLeonard Bernstein, Paul Sperry, Bruce Fifer, New York Philharmonic
Dybbuk Suite No. 1: III. KabbalahLeonard Bernstein, Paul Sperry, Bruce Fifer, New York Philharmonic
Dybbuk Suite No. 1: IV. PossessionLeonard Bernstein, Paul Sperry, Bruce Fifer, New York Philharmonic
Dybbuk Suite No. 1: V. Pas de deuxLeonard Bernstein, Paul Sperry, Bruce Fifer, New York Philharmonic
Dybbuk Suite No. 1: VI. ExorcismLeonard Bernstein, Paul Sperry, Bruce Fifer, New York Philharmonic
Dybbuk Suite No. 2: I. The MessengersLeonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic
Dybbuk Suite No. 2: II. LeahLeonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic
Dybbuk Suite No. 2: III. 5 Kabbalah VariationsLeonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic
Dybbuk Suite No. 2: IV. DreamLeonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic
Songfest: I. To the PoemLeonard Bernstein, Clamma Dale, Nancy Williams, Rosalind Elias, Neil Rosenshein, John Reardon, Donald Gramm, National Symphony Orchestra Washington
Songfest: II. The Pennycandystore Beyond the ElLeonard Bernstein, John Reardon, National Symphony Orchestra Washington
Songfest: III. A Julia De BurgosLeonard Bernstein, Clamma Dale, National Symphony Orchestra Washington
Songfest: IV. To What You Said...Leonard Bernstein, Clamma Dale, Nancy Williams, Rosalind Elias, Neil Rosenshein, Donald Gramm, John Reardon, National Symphony Orchestra Washington
Songfest: V. I, Too, Sing America / Okay "Negroes"Leonard Bernstein, Rosalind Elias, John Reardon, National Symphony Orchestra Washington
Leonard Bernstein, a titan of 20th-century music, was an American maestro whose genius spanned conducting, composing, and performing. Born in 1918, Bernstein's career was a whirlwind of creativity and innovation, earning him a staggering 16 Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades, including Emmy and Tony Awards. He was the first American-born conductor to achieve international acclaim, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music world. Bernstein's compositions, such as the iconic "West Side Story" and "Candide," continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Beyond his musical prowess, Bernstein was also a dedicated educator and humanitarian, using his platform to inspire and enlighten. His legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in music history.