Search - Leonard Bernstein, Manhattan School of Music Orchestra, Glen Cortese :: Leonard Bernstein: Trouble in Tahiti

A fine and believable performance

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 04/14/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Without indulging in any obvious comparisons with any other version of this work, the Newport Classics rendering is a fine one. Many couples are going to feel a little uncomfortable with the truths expressed in this libretto, all the more so because the two singers are entirely believable. While Bernstein does not maintain musical interest right through the short duration of the piece, his lyrics more than make up for it. They call, of course, for good singer/actors; and this recording provides them. Perhaps Newport might have fleshed out the timing with a short Bernstein piece; but one will buy this for "Trouble," not for any filler. So on its own terms, this is a good buy."