Search - Gershwin, Grofe, Bernstein :: Rhapsody in Blue / Grand Canyon Suite (Grofe)

Uneven interpretation by Bernstein

Jmark2001 | Florida | 03/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bernstein delivers an uneven interpretation of some American classics on this album. The grand middle theme of "Rhapsody in Blue" has never sounded more magnificent than it does here. The piano solo, however, is so stylized (including a bizarre pause after some descending notes which draws some awkward attention to the performer rather than to the composer) that it takes away from the piece and ruins the pacing. "An American in Paris" starts out jaunty but Bernstein can't resist overdoing some of the later themes with too much volume and force. "Grand Canyon Suite" is one of the less effective versions that I have heard. If you are looking for wonderful performances at a value price, see "The Complete Gershwin". You get two cd's for less than 15$ and the music there is superior."

An underrated pianist captured in recording to be treasured

Robert L. Edwards | New York, NY United States | 09/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bernstein was a vastly underrated pianist. Here, the subtlety of his handling of the smallest semi-quavers is arresting. There are so many moments that catch the ear because of the directness and honesty of the playing. This is no standard bravura performance. Bernstein has no need to pound the cross-hand octaves or over-exaggerate the jazzy rhythms: they are rendered with character and a unique, personal insight. There is a freshness here forever captured by the great producer John McClure.



The Columbia pickup orchestra was often mostly the NY Philharmonic by another name. You will be hard-pressed to hear a difference with the sharp stylistic playing. This is no ordinary pickup ensemble. In the tone poem, the NY Philharmonic is outstanding. This ensemble, which within ten years from the time of this recording would deliver regular jaded live performances in Philharmonic Hall, was always incomparable in the recording studio. This is one hot orchestra - Lenny's band at its best. You will not find better performances of either the Rhapsody or "American In Paris."



On the negative side. This recording from the late 1950s was one of the first stereo efforts of Columbia Records and it suffers slightly with exaggerated, gimmicky stereo separation. Sadly, the editing is crude. There is an embarrassing insert at 6 minutes in with a radically different acoustical environment/mic placement and loud, distracting extraneous noises that seem to indicate the passage was taken either from a live performance or a warm-up mic test. Several entrances are cut late and jump in.



But overall, this recording is not to be missed - it is an historical document of an outstanding pianist and an American orchestra that could, when it wanted to, play better than any ensemble in the world. In spite of its flaws, this disc is a treasure to me.



I always hesitate to tell someone that any recording is a must have - but this one is firmly placed on my shortlist. Buy, Buy Buy. And enjoy!

"

Unique Conductor

Jmark2001 | 04/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I appreciate Bernstein's allowing those beautiful violins to soar over the other instruments in the the final expression of the main melody so well presented by the piano. No other orchestra has been able to permit the violins to be so expressive in the Rhapsody led by the piano."