Bernstein Symphony Edition

This big box contains 60 CDs, all from the analogue era when Bernstein was mainly associated with the New York Philharmonic. A few other orchestras appear, but the NYPO carry the lion’s share of the recordings. At this time the NYPO were a superb orchestra, well drilled and sonically splendid.The CBS recordings often sounded a bit light and fiery on LP, they sound much fuller in these CD remastering.The main impression is that Bernstein loved music of a wide period of time. His enthusiasm infects Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, right through to Mahler, Ives, Copland, Diamond. I didn’t find a single disk which might be described as dull or routine. Indeed, Bernstein injects the most ardent musicianship for so-called “lesser works” such as Goldmark’s Rustic Wedding Symphony. Here, it comes across as a deeply-felt masterpiece. The central, slow movement is incredibly moving as played here.There are some real surprises for those not realising that Bernstein played other than mainstream Classical repertoire. His Vaughan Williams 4 is tremendous, his Bruckner 9 intense and moving.Bernstein was a master of 20th Century American symphonies, his passionate advocacy of works rarely played today is to be admired.Some of the things in this box are among the finest things ever recorded in the LP age, his CBS Mahler cycle, for example. Yes, it divides opinion, but it was tremendously important in the 1960s Mahler revival. I grew up with these recordings, and they never fail to challenge and impress.For the modest asking price, this box can be warmly recommended. Bernstein was at his mercurial best when these recordings were made, before his readings became more idiosyncratic in older age, even though that sometimes made for staggeringly musical results.Buy it whilst you have the opportunity.

Shapero's Symphony is embedded in this great and varied collection of which I've heard only ten or so discs: the Schumann(Robt.) symphonies are terrific in my estimation not necessarily better than Szell's, but livelier. The Haydn symphonies are equally satisfying; but back to Shapero. If you haven't heard this, you've missed the most ingenious American symphony of the post-WW2 era. And then there's Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Mahler, and Shostakovich to look forward to, and the Vaughan Williams 4th Symphony that's rumored to be one of the best versions out there. At the price I paid for this set it's an outstanding bargain and a much better deal than the Bernstein Remastered Edition when you compare the bagful of dribs and drabs offered by that set with complete symphonic cycles offered by this one.

A box of delights. Maybe the greatest conductor of the 20th century. If you want evidence for that, here it is. Incomparable performances by the most charismatic conductor and a unique composer.

wow. what a fantastic purchase.the beethoven symphonies are great.as are the sibelius.shostatakoviches 7th symphony is very rousing. the haydn is good and the tchaikovsky.quite expensive .60 cds.well worth the money.

Lenny has aged well. His vigorous approach, with an attention to detail, stands out. Some of the recordings are eccentric, but I rather like that. Some of the recordings too sound old but most have been superbly, really superbly, remastered and sound terrific.

This is good value for your money. I would, however, have preferred a release according to the "original jacket" concept, including also other works than symphonies. Although there is a fine booklet containing two essays on Bernstein, I severely miss the documentation that was included in "Royal" and "Century" editions. That would had been possible to include on a separate CD. Also, information on digital mastering is missing (8 or 24 bit). I believe that people who buy boxes like this are real afficionados, and they value all information they can get about the recordings included.

These were CD's that I was looking for! Thank you.

Brilliant Performance and Sound Quality