Although this 1956 musical adaptation of Voltaire's novella was not well-received initially by New York critics, despite its impressive musical and literary pedigree, this overture has become a staple of symphonic programs all over the world. The show itself was later revived on Broadway in 1974 by director Harold Prince, to better success.
Here, the composer himself, the great Leonard Bernstein, conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra in a definitive 1989 performance.
"Candide"
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics: Richard Wilbur
John Latouche
Dorothy Parker
Lillian Hellman
Stephen Sondheim
Leonard Bernstein
Book:
Lillian Hellman
Hugh Wheeler
http://www.answers.com/topic/candide
Excellent, a wonderful performance. The music has to me elements of classical music with those West Side Story type interludes, very lively and dynamic.... moving at a pace with great timpani too, A tribute to a book I read a long time ago and now don't remember that well, but I like this Bernstein stuff, it has the sounds of modern America implicit to it....like Frank Zappa in that respect I think. Cheers Doug
ReplyDeleteExcellent, a wonderful performance. The music has to me elements of classical music with those West Side Story type interludes, very lively and dynamic.... moving at a pace with great timpani too, A tribute to a book I read a long time ago and now don't remember that well, but I like this Bernstein stuff, it has the sounds of modern America implicit in it....like Frank Zappa in that respect I think. Cheers Doug
ReplyDeleteI am not as a big of a fan of Mr Bersnstein as you, It was ok. I only listen when you post.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm glad you mentioned America in it, AA--since I first heard the composition many years ago I always, for some odd reason, imagine the railroads and the stagecoaches of early settlers moving across the Great plains and mountains toward the then-golden lands of thePacific. Motion and pacing indeed! What I remember of Candide's mishaps are quite out of my head after thirty years' time back at school .
ReplyDeleteI imagine neither Voltaire, (currently rolling over in his tomb) nor the First Peoples of America would share my enthusiasm. But Bernstein's ode to the ups and downs of life is "classicly" American in a way that so much of Gershwin and Copland are. (and Mr. Zappa, of course, in his own way.)
Thanks for listening but be careful, Fred. Some of it might sound better as time goes by. :-)
ReplyDeleteMaybe after a few drinks
ReplyDeleteYes this is a score with much movement in it, and all the better for watching it played, than simply listening to it.
ReplyDeleteI do find it is often judged on the opening. If it is listened to all the way through, one becomes aware this is a fine piece of music!
Thank you, Doug!
You're welcome, Cassandra.
ReplyDeleteBernstein obviously enjoyed conducting this work, and I think he blends all the elements of the overture together, making it slightly less bombastic than the other couple recordings I've heard of this. Being a genius helps too I suppose. :-)
Yes Doug, a genius and not for the faint hearted, He didn't tolerate fools! ;-)))
ReplyDelete