1958 was a historic year for Leonard Bernstein. At just 40 years of age, it was the year in which Bernstein took the helm of the New York Philharmonic, a move that cemented his already certain position in the musical pantheon. It is also the same year this live recording was made with the National Orchestra of France, an ensemble with which Bernstein had a lifelong relationship. The two-disc set opens with Mahler's Second Symphony, appropriate as it was in Paris where this symphony was given its original premiere. ...
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1958 was a historic year for Leonard Bernstein. At just 40 years of age, it was the year in which Bernstein took the helm of the New York Philharmonic, a move that cemented his already certain position in the musical pantheon. It is also the same year this live recording was made with the National Orchestra of France, an ensemble with which Bernstein had a lifelong relationship. The two-disc set opens with Mahler's Second Symphony, appropriate as it was in Paris where this symphony was given its original premiere. Throughout the course of his career, Bernstein became well known for his interpretations of Mahler and this performance demonstrates why. There is nothing held back or timid about Bernstein's Mahler Symphony No. 2; he takes each and every marking in the score (and Mahler produced some of the most detailed scores ever) to the extreme, wildly changing tempo and dynamics. While some listeners may find this startling, most will recognize it as utterly engaging from start to finish. Filled with a...
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