Peter Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was not only a brilliant conductor – having served with the New York Philharmonic for several decades beginning in 1943 – but was also recognized as one of the 20th century's most lauded composers. In that respect, few if any have contributed as significantly to classical music in the context of the American experience. It could likewise be contended that his contributions to the Broadway stage solidified the formerly intransigent chasm existing between symphonic and popular music. In honor of what would have been Bernstein's 85th birthday, Sony Music created a pair of mid-priced sets celebrating the maestro's accomplishments. A Total Embrace: The Composer (2003) offers more than three and a half hours of highlights spanning nearly a quarter-century.

Hector Berlioz: Harold en Italie, Op. 16; La mort de Cléopâtre, scène lyrique
William Lincer, viola; Jennie Tourel mezzo-soprano; New York Philharmonic; Leonard Bernstein
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip | 346 MB; 3% Recovery| FLAC+LOG+Cue | Full scans | RS + 4shared links
Publisher: Sony Classical | Recorded: 1961 | Published: 1999

Harold is an electrifying reading that captures the raw passion of Berlioz better than any other. Throwing caution to the winds, Bernstein and Linzer (the Philharmonic's first-chair violist) are rough, edgy and incredibly exciting, eschewing entirely the refinement that passes for idiomatic Berlioz in other hands. Inexplicably omitted from the Royal Edition, this is one of the truly great Bernstein performances, giving Berlioz, the wild rebel of his time, his full due. It took a musician of Bernstein's youthful boldness to defy our established tradition to restore the composer's essential spirit. (Cleopatre, already in the Royal set, is a wonderful performance of Berlioz's early cantata.) - by Peter Gutmann

Pianist Don Friedman has had a lengthy career that includes 35 CDs as a leader and many significant associations since at least the early '60s. Friedman has lost none of his enthusiasm or creative abilities through the years, as can be heard on this excellent quartet outing. Although a few selections are mildly funky or a little more modern, most of the performances are very boppish, with Friedman playing his take on the Bud Powell tradition. Friedman's five originals and bassist Martin Wind's catchy "Early Morning Blues" are on the same high level as the four standards. Guitarist Peter Bernstein is a major asset. His solos are tasteful and swinging, but it is his interplay with Friedman that are the consistent high points. With fine support from Wind and drummer Tony Jefferson, this is one of Don Friedman's best all-round recordings.~Scott Yanow, allmusic.com