Leonard Bernstein - Young People's Concerts / New York Philharmonic

Rating:
Summary: Still astonishing after all these years.
Review: I was not quite 10 years old when this series of concerts began in 1958, about the same age as many of the young people in attendance. Bernstein's command of the material is no less compelling viewed 46 years later. His impact was so great that I clearly recalled entire portions of the broadcasts over this considerable distance in time, honing in on what makes music "Classical," sonata form, Mahler, and on and on. Having this series available in this form for the current crop of 10 year olds (and their grandparents) is an absolute miracle.

The recordings are interesting along other dimensions. Technically, they likely qualify as "very good for their particular year," which makes them fine for the purpose. I was struck by other matters. The New York Philharmonic in 1958 was entirely white and, save the harpist, male. Bernstein's language was also in keeping with the times; all composers were, "he," all musicians were, "he," and all ancestors were "forefathers." That's all jarring to an early-21st century sensibility, but an accurate historical record nevertheless. Society has come quite a distance. I haven't watched all 25 hours yet and am axious to see if the symphony and langage change appreciably over the 14 or so years during which the series ran.

Bernstein was a mucisican and teacher of music beyond compare. Do take advantage.

Rating:
Summary: Not just for young people
Review: This 41-year-old is thrilled to own these programs. For music lovers there are some true "hidden treasures" in the set. On the program "A Toast to Vienna in 3/4 Time" there is an appearance by Walter Berry and Christa Ludwig, who sing three Mahler songs. In "Jazz in the Concert Hall" we see a young Gunther Schuller recognized by Bernstein before the complete performance of Schuller's wonderful "Journey into Jazz", a piece I had once heard performed live in Boston and was frustrated that I couldn't find it on CD.

The discs come with a booklet that lists the works performed on each show, but I am avoiding looking at the booklet so I will continue to be pleasantly surprised as I watch these discs.