Immerse yourself in the genius of Leonard Bernstein with this extraordinary collection of his most celebrated works, conducted by the maestro himself. Released on April 1, 2025, "Leonard Bernstein - The Conductor" is a testament to Bernstein's unparalleled versatility and brilliance, showcasing his prowess as a composer, conductor, and educator.
This album is a comprehensive journey through Bernstein's musical evolution, featuring a diverse range of compositions that highlight his unique style and profound impact on classical music. From the intricate variations of Elgar's "Enigma Variations" to the powerful symphonies of Beethoven and the dramatic intensity of his own works, each piece is a masterclass in orchestral performance.
The album opens with Elgar's "Enigma Variations," a work that Bernstein conducted with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1966, offering a glimpse into his early conducting career. It then delves into Bernstein's interpretations of Beethoven's symphonies, including selections from Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection," Symphony No. 3, and Symphony No. 9, each performed with a depth of understanding and passion that only Bernstein could bring.
In addition to these symphonic works, the album includes Bernstein's own compositions, such as the dramatic "Kaddish" symphony and the choral masterpiece "Chichester Psalms." These pieces, along with selections from his "Rückert Lieder" and the "Mass in C Major," demonstrate Bernstein's ability to blend traditional and contemporary elements, creating music that is both timeless and innovative.
"Leonard Bernstein - The Conductor" is not just a collection of performances; it is a celebration of Bernstein's enduring legacy. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a unique opportunity to experience the genius of Leonard Bernstein in all his glory. With a duration of 1 hour and 46 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Bernstein's musical genius, conducted by the man himself.
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Theme. AndanteEdward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 1. L'istesso tempo "C.A.E."Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 2. Allegro "H.D.S-P."Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 3. Allegretto "R.B.T."Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 4. Allegro di molto "W.M.B."Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 5. Moderato "R.P.A."Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 6. Andantino "Ysobel"Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 7. Presto "Troyte"Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 8. Allegretto "W.N."Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 9. Adagio "Nimrod"Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 10. Intermezzo. Allegretto "Dorabella"Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 11. Allegro di molto "G.R.S."Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 12. Andante "B.G.N."Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 13. Romanza. Moderato "* * *"Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Var. 14. Finale. Allegro "E.D.U."Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": IIa. Andante moderato. Sehr gemächlich - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": IIb. Nicht eilen. Sehr gemächlich - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": IIc. In Tempo I zurückkehren - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": IId. Energisch bewegt - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": III. Scherzo: b. Sehr getragen und gesangvoll - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": V. Finale: a. Im Tempo des Scherzos - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": V. Finale: c. Am Anfang sehr zurückgehalten - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": V. Finale: g. Sehr langsam und gedehnt - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 3: Id. Zeit lassen - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 3: IIa. Tempo di minuetto. Sehr mässig - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 3: IIb. L'istesso tempo - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 3: IIIa. Comodo. Scherzando. Ohne Hast - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 3: IIIb. Wieder sehr gemächlich, wie zu Anfang - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 3: IIId. Schnell und schmetternd wie eine Fanfare - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Rückert Lieder: Liebst du um Schönheit - LiveGustav Mahler, Thomas Hampson, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Rückert Lieder: Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder - LiveGustav Mahler, Thomas Hampson, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: If. Bewegter - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: Ig. [Bar 317] - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: Ih. Wie von Anfang - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: IIa. Im Tempo eines gemächlichen Ländlers - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: IIb. Poco più mosso subito - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: IIc. Tempo III - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: IIf. Tempo I - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: IIg. Tempo II - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: III. Rondo-Burleske: a. Allegro assai. Sehr trotzig - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: III. Rondo-Burleske: c. Sempre l'istesso tempo - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: III. Rondo-Burleske: d. L'istesso tempo II - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: III. Rondo-Burleske: e. [Bar 347] - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: III. Rondo-Burleske: f. [Clarinets] - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: III. Rondo-Burleske: g. Tempo I subito - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9: III. Rondo-Burleske: h. Più stretto - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Mass in C Major, Hob. XXII:9 "Paukenmesse": IIa. Gloria in excelsis DeoJoseph Haydn, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Leonard Bernstein
Mass in C Major, Hob. XXII:9 "Paukenmesse": IIc. Quoniam tu solus sanctusJoseph Haydn, Judith Blegen, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Leonard Bernstein
Mass in C Major, Hob. XXII:9 "Paukenmesse": IIIa. Credo in unum DeumJoseph Haydn, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Leonard Bernstein
Mass in C Major, Hob. XXII:9 "Paukenmesse": IIIc. Et resurrexitJoseph Haydn, Judith Blegen, Brigitte Fassbaender, Claes-Håkon Ahnsjö, Hans Sotin, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Leonard Bernstein
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.