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19 of 20 found the following review helpful:
The DEFINITIVE Appalachian SpringDec 29, 1998
This is quite possibly the best recording ever made of Aaron Copland's "Ballet for Martha." Appalachian Spring was originally intended for a 13-instrument chamber ensemble; Copland later orchestrated a suite that was extracted from that original ballet. The result, as achieved here by Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, is the stuff of American music at its best. Only Bernstein is able to whip up the frenzy required by the fast, glassy movements; only Bernstein is able to bring forth the implied passion of the slow movements without becoming sappy or sentimental. The other works included are equally well-treated, even if they are less important to begin with. If you only own one CD on which Lenny is conducting, this should be it.
16 of 17 found the following review helpful:
Test of Time--Passed with honors!Jul 20, 2003
By FloydWaters
I have been a fan of Aaron Copland's from an early age--in fact, so early that I can hardly remember not knowing "Fanfare for the Common Man". As I became older, my appreciation grew and deepened. I still remember my first exposure to the "Gift to Be Simple" section of Appalachian Spring...it was in history class, played as part of a presentation. I can't even remember the subject of the presentation anymore--all I remember is that at that wild, joyous crescendo, I was not in the room. I was somewhere far away, flying. That is the power in a piece like this, and the standard to which I hold any musical recording.When I began seeking a full version of Appalachian Spring for my own collection, I had the good fortune to get a "recommendation" of sorts for the definitive recording: Richard Wright, keyboardist of Pink Floyd, has more of a Copland influence than you might suspect. When I read his article in Record Collector Magazine, the particular rendition he recommended was this one--the 1962 recording for CBS, of which he seemed to have the original LP. Imagine my surprise and delight to find that it was still in print and easy to find in stores! "Aaron Copland's an American classical composer," summarizes Mr. Wright, "and [Appalachian Spring] is his most famous work...Like all of my favourite music there's something in his material that touches me; I think it's the chordal progression and the melodic lines just above them that do it for me here - and the fact that it's very peaceful. When I listen to a lot of the stuff that I've played over the years I feel I've been heavily influenced by Copland, albeit subconsciously." (Note to Pink Floyd fans: Comparing the basic approach in "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and Copland's "Quiet City" may prove interesting.) I am in full agreement here...it is absolutely striking what Copland was capable of creating. In his hands, simple, traditional harmonies were transformed into breathtakingly original works that reflect the best of the American spirit...innovative, beautiful, optimistic, and slightly wild. It never ceases to amaze me how he could weave such a beautiful musical texture with so few notes at times--it is indeed a gift to be simple. But Copland's work is not boring by any means--he also knows the place for grand, sweeping statements and shockingly unique, beautiful chord changes that occur seemingly out of nowhere. As soon as I heard this disc, in comparison to other recordings I'd sampled, it was immediately obvious why this one survived the test of time, why it was still so vivid in the mind of Richard Wright. Copland and Bernstein seem always to be a good match for each other, but there was something very special going on the night this was recorded. Even if you own other renditions of "Appalachian Spring", even if you are interested in no other composition on this disc, this is an absolute must-have. As for the other pieces, recorded in the early 60s as well, there's a similar magic--even though the "Fanfare" version is radically different, it's a real ear-opener. The pitch changes are done with a shocking fluidity, but it brings new interest to the piece. It is no replacement for the original; it's probably best to treat it as a different song. "Salon Mexicano" and "Danzón Cubano" are also excellently rendered and timeless. All in all, this is a fantastic album--a must for any classical collection.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
the PERFECT Bernstein recordingDec 16, 2002
By Ryan
I have heard A LOT and i mean A LOT of Bernstein recordings...and...as far as post-Beethoven works go...this is it...this may only be comparable to his multiple Beethoven 5th Symphonies...
If you own ANYTHING with Leonard Bernstein's name on it...one should say "Beethoven's Fifth Symphony" on it...and the other should be this disc.
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Shows Why Copland Was Such a Diverse TalentMay 30, 2002
By Reginald D. Garrard
"the G-man"
Pastoral. Thrilling. Sincere. Stirring. Calm. Thunderous. All these adjectives and more can best describe the music featured on this disc. Copland's "Appalachian Spring" and "Fanfare for the Common Man" remain justifiably two of the most popular of the composer's works. The addition of the fiery "El Salon Mexico" and "Danzon Cubano" only serve to show how gifted the late composer truly was.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Close enough to the best recordingApr 28, 2010
By Anne Jensen
My old tape recording of Copland's "Appalachian Spring" died, and I needed a CD replacement. It's one of my all-time recordings of music. But I wanted the closest thing to that top-notch original, not just another version. I listened to all the online snatches that I could, and decided it was what I desired. And the other informed reviewers gave me the assurance I was looking for. It's all that it should be.
"Fanfare for the Common Man", which I have also been looking for, is included. I was a little disappointed that it was lacking an intro of just drumming.
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