Review: Sony's Big Bernstein Boxes--Concertos and Stuff

This 80-disc set contains all (or nearly all) of Bernstein's concerto and short orchestral work recordings for Sony. What can I say? It's a behemoth, and much of it is excellent, especially the less familiar repertoire. It's also out of print, as usual, but fear not. It will all return at some point, in some way.

[@stephenschroth3616]

Thanks for reviewing the Sony Bernstein boxes. I prefer his NYPO output to his later work. Great review and analysis.

[@fred6904]

Dear Mr Hurwitz! Thank you very much for making this talk about this box of recordings made by Mr Bernstein . No One can do it as You. 👍👏👏👏🏅🇺🇲 Best wishes Fred

[@ernestrobles1510]

Your idea of a not-the-everyday Bernstein is a great one. And given the way the Bernstein estate has been slicing and dicing his recorded legacy, not at all unlikely. I hope they give you a cut.

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

Hats off, a very fine review of this monster L.B fest, excellent stuff!! Thank-you.

[@bbailey7818]

A great legacy really. Though I might transfer it all to an old shoebox instead of Sony's impractical packaging. I read somewhere that Bernstein had Carte blanche to record anything he wanted as long as he'd also do what Columbia wanted. That included things like the disc of marches which he and the Philharmonic sight read and for some of them all Lennie had was, not even a proper score, but in one case just a flute part. But they're good. And kudos to you for your advice to young conductors! Let yourself go.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Looks as though it would fit on the shelf with my LPs.

[@michelangelomulieri5134]

As stated before by one of your followers, I rather prefer the Bernstein output in NY than his european collaborations (except a few recordings). The NY recordings are more lively, spontaneous, innovative!

[@joewebb1983]

But "where" are you? The second overflow room? You may say where you are... I have only watched the "hello and welcome" bit so apologies if I need to watch the whole thing to find out!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I'm in the overflow overflow room.

[@williamwhittle216]

I have the Berstein Remastered box, a treasure for me, but I don't think you liked it as much.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

The box is fine, the choice of works was silly. We'll get to it.

[@WestVillageCrank]

I agree 100% about the Bernstein recordings of the Gershwin "Rhapsody In Blue". There are many, many better recordings. But a note: I am fairly certain the pronunciation for the composer of "The Grand Canyon Suite" is gro-FAY.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

It is what I say it is.

[@WestVillageCrank]

And so it must be. Cheers on a glorious Saturday.

[@bbailey7818]

@@WestVillageCrank Grofay pronounced it that way himself if anybody cares.

[@tterrace]

In a reply to a comment to his Dave's Faves Grofe video he says “No, it's exactly as I pronounce it. I heard it from him personally.”

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@tterrace And that is my answer for everyone from Machaut forward!

[@timcunningham722]

Bach concerto for two pianos with Stern and Menuhin? Don't you mean Bach concerto for two violins? And Bob Vacchiano? The trumpeters will shout William!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Of course! I knew I had Vacchiano wrong. Bob, Bill, whatever....violins, pianos, same thing!

[@brianburtt7053]

Is this available? NO! I've been watching for it to become available again for several years now. Shame on Sony.

[@ericleiter6179]

I think Bernstein's lack of respect for Gershwin's Rhapsody was because he was generally dismissive of it, despite its beauty...I read somewhere where he said 'you can't just string together a series of tunes and consider the piece symphonic, no matter how beautiful they are'...perhaps he was a little jealous of the works popularity, I mean they were basically contemporaries...