COMPOSERS: Bernstein
LABELS: DG 20th Century Classics
WORKS: Symphony No. 1 (Jeremiah); Symphony No. 2 (The Age of Anxiety); Symphony No. 3 (Kaddish); Serenade
PERFORMER: Christa Ludwig (mezzo-soprano), Lukas Foss (piano), Montserrat Caballé (sop), Gidon Kremer (vln)Wiener Jeunesse-Chor, Vienna Boys’ Choir, Israel PO/Leonard Bernstein
CATALOGUE NO: 445 245-2 ADD (1978/79)
Bernstein’s symphonic Odyssey passes through some distinctly choppy waters. The composer certainly inspires, but his inspiration also rubs shoulders with the routine and the embarrassing. Presented complete, these symphonies are frustrating but never less than fascinating, and Bernstein’s performances are their best advocates. Anyone interested in this composer in particular or the 20th-century symphony in general will find this reissue genuine treasure trove. Jan Smaczny
Bernstein: Symphony No. 1 (Jeremiah); Symphony No. 2 (The Age of Anxiety); Symphony No. 3 (Kaddish); Serenade
Bernstein’s symphonic Odyssey passes through some distinctly choppy waters. The composer certainly inspires, but his inspiration also rubs shoulders with the routine and the embarrassing. Presented complete, these symphonies are frustrating but never less than fascinating, and Bernstein’s performances are their best advocates. Anyone interested in this composer in particular or the 20th-century symphony in general will find this reissue genuine treasure trove. Jan Smaczny
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:31 pm