Search - Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Leonard Bernstein :: Bernstein Century - Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites, Norwegian Dance, March of Dwarfs/ Sibelius: Valse Triste, Swan of Tuonela, Finlandia

Bernstein Century - Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites, Norwegian Dance, March of Dwarfs/ Sibelius: Valse Triste, Swan of Tuonela, Finlandia
Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Leonard Bernstein
Bernstein Century - Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites, Norwegian Dance, March of Dwarfs/ Sibelius: Valse Triste, Swan of Tuonela, Finlandia
Genres: Dance & Electronic, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

By the time Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic made the recordings featured here, they had been together for more than a decade. There is a lustiness and power to the playing throughout the orchestra. From the...  more »

     
   
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By the time Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic made the recordings featured here, they had been together for more than a decade. There is a lustiness and power to the playing throughout the orchestra. From the lilt and swagger of Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 to the sensuous humor of Grieg's Norwegian Dance--made memorable for oboist Ralph Gomberg's solo playing--Bernstein brought out the best from this strong and virtuosic orchestra. Here, Sibelius's Valse Triste is all grace and elegance. The Swan of Tuonela is superb for it's dreamlike pacing and the marvelous English horn playing. Finlandia makes a perfect finale. All this music is evocative and it remains in motion every moment, however subtly. --Gwendolyn Freed

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CD Reviews

Well played, but lacking in power
Santa Fe Listener | 05/31/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is strangely subdued and soft-edged for Bernstein. Granted, the Peer Gynt suites aren't The Rite of Spring, but I was still expecting more fire from Bernstein (which he does find on the brief March of the Trolls). The Sibelius suffers similar problems. The Valse Triste is almost inaudible at times; more boring than sad. The Swan of Tuonela is very well played, particularly the cellos and basses, though again something is lacking. It is certainly atmospheric, but not really eerie or unsettling as I feel it should be. The Finlandia is brought down by the bland brass playing. Check out the Ashkenazy version of this piece, where the horns sound like they are going to rip your head off. In conclusion, this is of interest to fans of the works, particularly at mid-price, but I don't think this will make the music any new fans."
These are fabulous performances.
Santa Fe Listener | 06/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are fabulous performances. Bernstein has the perfect touch with these pieces. The interpetations are powerful, sensitive and searching. The Greig is enchanting and the Sibelius is played to perfection. Bernstein was a great Sibelian and the NYPO gave him their best."
Turn it up!
Libby | Huntington Beach, CA | 02/16/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great CD but I can't hear it unless I turn it way WAY up on my car CD or portable CD player. I'm not sure why. I wanted to hear Morning Mood on my morning commute but can't seem to get it loud enough."