Leonard Bernstein

In addition to being one of America's most lauded composers, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) conducted the New York Philharmonic from 1943 through 1969. His no-nonsense approach to classical music was considered controversial, if not somewhat radical, yet his contributions are immeasurable, especially as he crossed cultural lines, exposing the masses to luminous works of symphonic art, many for the first time. He went so far as to demystify the masters, making them palatable for the common listener as well as the studious enthusiast. Since the maestro's copious catalog is undeniably daunting and to honor what would have been his 85th birthday, in 2003 Sony Music created anthologies titled A Total Embrace: The Conductor and A Total Embrace: The Composer. The three-volume mid-price Conductor set contains nearly four hours of Bernstein's offerings from behind the podium. While not presented chronologically, the tracks span nearly a quarter-century, from the Columbia Symphony Orchestra's 1950 rendition of Maurice Ravel's Shéhérazade: II. La Flute Enchantée through to a 1975 recording of Hector Berlioz's Requiem, Op. 5 from Dies Irae: "Tuba Mirum." In between, Bernstein's repertoire is thoroughly embodied with arguably definitive recitals ranging from the finale of Mozart's Symphony No. 39 in E flat Major, KV 543 to Charles Ives' The Unanswered Question. The latter is just one of several complete compositions; others of note are an unequaled interpretation of Aaron Copland's El Salón México and the legendary reading of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" from the St. George Hotel in Brooklyn, NY, where Bernstein not only leads the Columbia Symphony Orchestra but also plays the piano. The only thing that could have improved on the package would be more specific and detailed annotations, as interested parties are presumably novices. Otherwise, A Total Embrace: The Conductor and A Total Embrace: The Composer are highly recommended entrées and sizable career overviews. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide