Bernstein Candide Overture: Piano Reduction Study Score

academyofscorin... -- At our February 2018 Ravel meeting, we take a look at one of Leonard Bernstein's most enduring orchestral works, his Overture to Candide. This video features a superimposed piano reduction of the full score.

[@barbararonaldhedlundperformanc]

It's such a fun overture to play. It was great to see 2 of my former cello teachers playing in this video.

[@stevenhaff3332]

Wonderful overature. Mr.Bernstein composed some breathtakingly beautiful music. I love that 2nd theme. What a melodist he could be.

[@darsure3006]

agreed! that 2nd theme really got me those chord changes are gorgeous, you can hear how modern film composers aspire to this level of expression

[@Mezzotenor]

LOVE THIS! I've never bought the score, and this answered a lot of my questions about the rhythmical scheme. Interesting that later in life, Maestro Bernstein actually took it a hair slower, which arguably brings out certain details. Thank you for posting.

[@jstasiak2262]

It is abundantly clear that Bernstein really loved this piece.

[@lc1715]

I know that he wrote it and all, but I personally find this the slightest bit too fast. :)) I wanna bathe in that legato section just a bit more!

[@mckernan603]

Thank you! I couldn’t figure out some of the rhythms

[@virginiacurry2423]

I've had a crush on Berstein since I was little.

[@briankatona]

Wonderful to see this with the piano reduction! Happy to have discovered your channel. Wonderful content!

[@polkmusic]

What a great piece.

[@michaelworthington1273]

Oops! The maestro was not pleased with whomever it was that played on two in the penultimate bar? Flute or clarinet?

[@DaveDexterMusic]

Isn't it correct to the score?

[@lwf3652]

Absolutely correct playing, no mistake made. In fact, they play the penultimate pianissimo chord "pianississimo", following the conductor (= composer) exactly in a final humorous effect. There were always the myths that the musicians didn't like him and strove to spite him, but that is not borne out by their extant performances, where they did their best to fulfill his vision. As for the fast tempo: this was a live television broadcast, so Bernstein knew exactly the time he had left and conducted so as to fit the time slot.

[@HelloooThere]

Nah..he just let out a fart and thought it was going to be silent…

[@neljoj4767]

Exelent

[@neljoj4767]

Exelente 👏👏👏

[@乾初九]

真是神作 !!!

[@robertacarlson2260]

such a legacy

[@gandalf87264]

Far too fast, Lenny, What were you thinking?

[@theingabo212]

well, it's his piece; he composed that

[@obsidianmusic303]

In this recording, they play around minum/half note = 158BPM, which is not too far from the marked 152BPM. I understand there are many recordings that play this masterpiece slower, however I personally think the faster tempo in this recording gives it even more energy and momentum. But in the end, music is subjective and each conductor will have their own interpretation, so there is not necessarily a “correct” tempo. Let’s just enjoy what makes each performance unique. Thanks for sharing your opinion, though!