Leonard Bernstein was one of the most genuine, imaginative and exuberant music spirits produced by 20th-century America. - In addition to his activity as a conductor, he was also an indefatigable composer, critic, pianist and promoter, thanks to his ease and spontaneity and his extraordinary ability to convey emotions. - As a conductor he could also show -”great analytical subtlety” being able to blend his extrovert nature to a sensitivity that made him capture the deep structural links in every score.
-The Ninth Symphony by Schubert in this CD clearly shows that Bernstein had nothing to do with some ”interpretive tradition” that reduced that work to an Austrian plaything.
-The incisive Andante con moto immediately reveals Berrnstein’s unique temperament.
-Ravel’s Concerto in G finally highlights the character of Bernstein the pianist; an artist capable of tackling the enormous difficulties of this page with a smile on his lips. Tracklistingt:
FRANZ SCHUBERT
Symphony no. 9 in C major D 944 ”The Great”
1. Andante (13:30)
2. Andante con moto (12:42)
3. Scherzo (09:23)
4. Finale, Allegro (11:49)
Boston Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein, conductor
Live Recording, Boston, 1957
MAURICE RAVEL
Concerto in G major for piano & orchestra
7. Allegramente (07:44)
8. Adagio assai (09:14)
9. Presto (03:38)
Philharmonia Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein, soloist & conductor
Live Recording, London, July 1, 1946
Total Time: 68:04
Released 2008.