Marking the centenary anniversary of Leonard Bernstein's birth, Marin Alsop leads the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a live, semi-staged performance of Bernstein's Candide, based on the Alsop-led, critically acclaimed New York Philharmonic performance from 2004. This production is the composer's final edition of the operetta with the book by Hugh Wheeler, rather than the original by Lillian Hellman, who inspired Bernstein to take on the satirical novella by Voltaire. The pair were drawn to the novella by the ...
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Marking the centenary anniversary of Leonard Bernstein's birth, Marin Alsop leads the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a live, semi-staged performance of Bernstein's Candide, based on the Alsop-led, critically acclaimed New York Philharmonic performance from 2004. This production is the composer's final edition of the operetta with the book by Hugh Wheeler, rather than the original by Lillian Hellman, who inspired Bernstein to take on the satirical novella by Voltaire. The pair were drawn to the novella by the similarities they both saw between the actions at the time of Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Inquisition of Voltaire's time. The London Symphony is in fine form and delivers a nearly show-stealing performance, getting the action moving right off the jump with the rousing overture. Tenor Leonardo Capalbo in the title role and soprano Jane Archibald as Cunegonde lead an operatic cast that places the music at the fore. Also featured are the...
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