Search - Bartok, Bernstein, Nyp :: Concerto for Orchestra

Many critics have hailed Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra the greatest orchestral work of the 20th century. If one is disposed to think in terms of lists or contests, it may very well be. It is certainly Bartók's greatest work, and to date there are over 35 recordings of it on the market. This is one of the best. Of course, the New York Philharmonic in its heyday under Leonard Bernstein was a superbly well-oiled machine, and Bartók's masterpiece fairly sparkles here. (Catch the horn fanfare near the end of the first movement. Wow.) Since this is a mid-price release, it's a must. --Paul Cook