Dive into the world of classical music with Leonard Bernstein's "Favourite Recordings," a meticulously curated collection that spans a vast array of compositions, showcasing the maestro's unparalleled conducting prowess. This album, set for release on March 5, 2025, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, is a testament to Bernstein's enduring legacy and his deep connection with the orchestral repertoire.
The album features 47 tracks, including iconic works such as "Enigma Variations" by Edward Elgar, selections from Leonard Bernstein's own "West Side Story," and pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and Mahler. Each track is a masterclass in orchestral performance, highlighting Bernstein's ability to bring out the best in both the music and the musicians.
From the stirring "Dies Irae" from Mozart's "Requiem" to the lively "Symphonic Dances" from "West Side Story," this collection offers a rich tapestry of musical experiences. The album also includes live performances, adding an extra layer of authenticity and energy. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Favourite Recordings" promises a captivating journey through some of the most beloved works in the classical canon.
With a duration of 2 hours and 42 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Leonard Bernstein's artistic vision and his profound impact on the world of classical music. It's a celebration of his career, featuring a diverse range of compositions that reflect his versatility and genius. Prepare to be immersed in the timeless beauty of these recordings, each one a testament to Bernstein's enduring legacy.
Enigma Variations, Op. 36: Theme. AndanteEdward 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. 5. Moderato "R.P.A."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. 12. Andante "B.G.N."Edward 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. 3. Allegretto "R.B.T."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. 6. Andantino "Ysobel"Edward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
The Crown of India, Op. 66: March of the Mogul EmperorsEdward Elgar, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
West Side Story: V. MariaLeonard Bernstein, José Carreras, Leonard Bernstein Orchestra
West Side Story: XIIId. SomewhereLeonard Bernstein, Marilyn Horne, Leonard Bernstein Orchestra
West Side Story: VII. AmericaLeonard Bernstein, Angelina Reaux, Louise Edeiken, Stella Zambalis, Tatiana Troyanos, Leonard Bernstein Orchestra
West Side Story Symphonic Dances: I. Prologue - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Los Angeles Philharmonic
West Side Story: III. Something's ComingLeonard Bernstein, José Carreras, Leonard Bernstein Orchestra
Requiem, K. 626: IIIa. Dies irae (Orch. Beyer) - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Leonard Bernstein, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, K. 183: III. MenuettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 "Haffner": IV. Finale. Presto - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Ave verum corpus, K. 618 - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Leonard Bernstein, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88 "The Letter V": IV. Finale. Allegro con spirito - LiveJoseph Haydn, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, K. 183: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 "Haffner": I. Allegro con spirito - LiveWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: II. Langsam - LiveRobert Schumann, Mischa Maisky, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: II. Andante con moto - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Krystian Zimerman, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131 (Arr. Mitropoulos for String Orchestra): II. Allegro molto vivace - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
String Quartet No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131 (Arr. Mitropoulos for String Orchestra): VI. Adagio quasi un poco andante – - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Fidelio, Op. 72, Act I: Aria. Hat man nicht auch Gold beineben - LiveLudwig van Beethoven, Manfred Jungwirth, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish": Ia. Invocation. AdagioLeonard Bernstein, Michael Wager, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Chichester Psalms: I. Psalm 108.2 – Psalm 100 - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Wiener Jeunesse-Chor, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
8 Divertimentos for Orchestra: I. Sennets and Tuckets. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio - LiveLeonard Bernstein, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
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": IIIc. Et resurrexitJoseph Haydn, Judith Blegen, Brigitte Fassbaender, Claes-Håkon Ahnsjö, Hans Sotin, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Leonard Bernstein
Mass in C Major, Hob. XXII:9 "Paukenmesse": IIId. Et vitam venturi saeculi. AmenJoseph Haydn, Judith Blegen, Brigitte Fassbaender, Claes-Håkon Ahnsjö, Hans Sotin, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand", Pt. 1: I. Veni, creator spiritus - LiveGustav Mahler, Rudolf Scholz, Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein, Wiener Staatsopernchor, Wiener Singverein
Symphony No. 9: IVc. Molto adagio subito - LiveGustav Mahler, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": Ic. Schnell - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 7: V. Rondo-Finale: a. Allegro ordinario. Tempo I - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Candide, Act I: OvertureLeonard Bernstein, London Symphony Orchestra
Candide, Act I: No. 14, I Am Easily Assimilated (Old Lady's Tango)Leonard Bernstein, Christa Ludwig, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56 "Scottish": II. Vivace non troppo - LiveFelix Mendelssohn, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
The Unanswered Question - LiveCharles Ives, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": IV. Urlicht. O Röschen rot! - LiveGustav Mahler, Christa Ludwig, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": V. Finale: k. Mit Aufschwung, aber nicht eilen - LiveGustav Mahler, Barbara Hendricks, Christa Ludwig, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein, Westminster Choir, Joseph Flummerfelt
Symphony No. 3: Ia. Kräftig. Entschieden - LiveGustav Mahler, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178 "From the New World": I. Adagio – Allegro moltoAntonín Dvořák, New York Stadium Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein
Tristan und Isolde, WWV 90, Act III: Prelude – Hirtenreigen - LiveRichard Wagner, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein, a titan of 20th-century music, was an American conductor, composer, and pianist whose charisma and talent transcended genres, from classical to Broadway. Born in 1918, Bernstein's prodigious abilities saw him become America's most famous conductor at just 25, stepping in with mere hours' notice to conduct the New York Philharmonic. His compositions, including the iconic "West Side Story" and "Candide," have left an indelible mark on musical theater. Bernstein's flamboyant conducting style and pedagogic flair made him a beloved figure in music education, particularly through his engaging television broadcasts. With a career adorned with seven Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and 16 Grammy Awards, Bernstein's legacy endures as a testament to his boundless creativity and passion for music.