Leonard Bernstein, the legendary conductor and composer, led the New York Philharmonic in a historic inaugural concert at Lincoln Center's Philharmonic Hall on September 23, 1962. This album, "Inauguration Concert of Lincoln Center's Philharmonic Hall," captures that momentous event, offering a unique blend of classical orchestral and choral masterpieces.
The album begins with a serene and captivating performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Serenade to Music," a piece inspired by Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice." This is followed by Gustav Mahler's monumental "Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major," also known as the "Symphony of a Thousand," showcasing the power and grandeur of the New York Philharmonic and the Schola Cantorum of New York choir.
Featuring renowned soloists Richard Tucker and Jennie Tourel, this recording is a testament to Bernstein's dynamic conducting and the exceptional musicianship of the New York Philharmonic. The album's 16 tracks, spanning 37 minutes, provide a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of Lincoln Center, making it a compelling listen for classical music enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This is not just a recording; it's a piece of history, immortalizing a pivotal moment in the world of classical music.
(P) 1962 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, George London, Shirley Verrett, Jon Vickers, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Lucine Amara, Adele Addison, Lili Chookasian, Eileen Farrell, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "How sweet the moonlight sleeps"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "Look how the floor of heaven is thick inlaid"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "Come, ho! and wake Diana with a hymn"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "I am never merry when I hear sweet music"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "Music! Hark!"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Shirley Verrett, Jon Vickers, Lucine Amara, Ezio Flagello, Richard Tucker, George London, Charles Bressler, Adele Addison, Eileen Farrell, Donald Bell
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "How many things by season"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "Soft stillness and the night"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Veni, creator spiritus!Gustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Imple superna gratiaGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Infirma nostri corporis IGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Tempo I. (Allegro, etwas hastig)Gustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Infirma nostri corporis IIGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Accende lumen sensibusGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Qui Paraclitus decerisGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Gloria Patri DominoGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
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.