Leonard Bernstein's iconic collaboration with Betty Comden and Adolph Green on Wonderful Town is a true masterpiece, filled with unforgettable music and witty lyrics. This 1999 studio cast recording is a testament to the timelessness of this Broadway classic, which tells the hilarious tale of two small-town sisters navigating the bright lights and bustling streets of New York City. Based on the play My Sister Eileen by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov, Wonderful Town is a screwball comedy that still delights audiences with its comical charm.
With a stellar cast, including Kim Criswell as Ruth and Audra McDonald as Eileen, this album brings to life the energetic and exciting world of 1950s New York. The music, conducted by Leonard Bernstein himself, is a perfect blend of classical and orchestral elements, showcasing the composer's unique style and flair. From the lively "Christopher Street" to the beautiful "A Little Bit in Love", each track is a testament to Bernstein's genius and the cast's exceptional talent.
Released on the Warner Classics label, this album is a must-listen for fans of musical theatre and classical music alike. With its 20 tracks and a duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, Wonderful Town is an album that will keep you entertained and engaged from start to finish. So, immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Leonard Bernstein's Wonderful Town and discover why this album remains a beloved classic to this day.
A Warner Classics release, ℗ 1999 Parlophone Records Limited
Tracks
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: OvertureLeonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: "Christopher Street" (Tour Guide, Villagers)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, London Voices, Rod Gilfry, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: "Ohio" (Ruth, Eileen)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Audra McDonald, Kim Criswell, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: "Conquering New York" (Ruth, Eileen, First Cadet, Violet, Villagers)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Aura McDonald, Kim Criswell, Kimberly Cobb, London Voices, Michael Dore, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: "One Hundred Easy Ways to Lose a Man" (Ruth)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Kim Criswell, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: "What a Waste" (Robert, Associate Editors)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Carl Daymond, Rod Gilfry, Thomas Hampson, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: "A Little Bit in Love" (Eileen)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Audra McDonald, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: "Pass the Football" (Wreck, Villagers)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Brent Barrett, London Voices, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: Conversation Piece. "Nice People, Nice Talk" (Ruth, Eileen, Frank, Robert, Chick)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Audra McDonald, Carl Daymond, Kim Criswell, Rod Gilfry, Thomas Hampson, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: "A Quiet Girl" (Robert)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Thomas Hampson, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 1: "Conga!" (Ruth, Brazilian Cadets)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Kim Criswell, London Voices, Michael Dore, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 2: Entr'acteLeonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 2: "My Darlin' Eileen" (Cops, Eileen)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Audra McDonald, London Voices, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 2: "Swing!" (Villagers, Ruth)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Kim Criswell, London Voices, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 2: "Quiet Incidental" (Eileen, Ruth)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Audra McDonald, Kim Criswell, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 2: "Ohio" (Reprise) [Eileen, Ruth]Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Audra McDonald, Kim Criswell, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 2: "It's Love" (Eileen, Robert, Villagers)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Audra McDonald, London Voices, Thomas Hampson, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 2: Ballet at the Village VortexLeonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 2: "Wrong Note Rag" (Ruth, Eileen, Villagers)Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Audra McDonald, Kim Criswell, London Voices, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Bernstein: Wonderful Town, Act 2: Finale. "It's Love" (Reprise) [All]Leonard Bernstein, Sir Simon Rattle, Audra McDonald, Kim Criswell, London Voices, Thomas Hampson, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
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.
236,441 Followers
Bernstein: Wonderful Town - Leonard Bernstein - Vinyl LP
Vinylscout
Leonard Bernstein
