''This coupling represents Bernstein's second recording of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. On his earlier 1959 version(Sony/CBS with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra), his verve and rhythmic elan at the piano is more apparent in the first half of the piece than in this later recording. Here his choices of tempi are fractionally slower; his flexing of Gershwin's steely rhythms a little more indulgent.
However, unlike his 1959 studio version, this recording is from a live concert performance which, allied to more modern recording quality, really communicates the spirit of what must have been a thrilling event. The finale with both piano and orchestra hard on the gas pedal takes your breath away.
Nobody conducted Leonard Bernstein's music as well as Leonard Berstein and the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story are no exception. The pieces are beautifully woven together. In fact, almost all the music of West Side Story is evolved out of an economy of musical ideas first stated in the 'Prologue', making this piece truly symphonic. More importantly, the performance of this music is mesmerising: coiled fury, visceral excitement and real lyric beauty: "Somewhere" has never sounded so touching. Highly recommended. ''
RHAPSODY IN BLUE/WEST SIDE STORY:THE SYMPHONIC DANCES
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