Immerse yourself in the captivating world of classical music with Symphony Of The Air's rendition of Leonard Bernstein's "Serenade for Violin Solo, Strings and Percussion." Released on September 23, 2013, under Soundmark Records, this album is a testament to the technical prowess and artistic brilliance of both the soloist and the orchestra. The album features a single, five-part programmatic work inspired by Plato's "Symposium," each movement named after a different speaker from the dialogue.
The album opens with "Phaedrus. Pausanias," a slow and steady introduction that builds into a lively allegro, setting the stage for the virtuosic display to come. "Aristophanes" follows with an allegretto that is both playful and intricate, showcasing the agility of the solo violin. The third movement, "Erixymathus," is a whirlwind of activity, marked presto, demonstrating the full range of the violin's capabilities. The fourth movement, "Agathon," offers a moment of respite with its adagio, a slow and reflective interlude. The album concludes with "Socrates. Aleibiades," a movement marked molto tenuto, where the solo violin and orchestra come together in a powerful and dramatic finale.
This recording, featuring the renowned violinist Isaac Stern, is a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast. The Symphony Of The Air, conducted by Leonard Bernstein himself, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive. With a duration of just over 31 minutes, this album is a concise yet profound exploration of Bernstein's compositional genius. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.