Search - Leonard Bernstein, Michael Barrett, Steven Blier :: Leonard Bernstein: Arias & Barcarolles/Songs & Duets

Superb Bernstein collection

Alan | New York, NY | 12/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The song cycle "Arias and Barcarolles" was Leonard Bernstein's last completed work. This recording documents the interpretations of the performers from the New York premiere: soprano Judy Kaye, baritone William Sharp, with Michael Barrett and Steven Blier on piano.The piece is one of Bernstein's most successful concert works. All but one of the texts are in English and are by Bernstein (well, one is attributed to his mother, recreating a bedtime story she used to tell him when he was a child). The exception is "Oif Mayn Khas'neh" ("At My Wedding") for the baritone, from a Yiddish text by the poet Yakov Yitzkhok Segal, which Bernstein set in a way that creates a rather nightmarish atmosphere that you might not expect from reading the poem. Some of the pieces are for just one singer, while others are duets. There is no particularly obvious throughline holding the individual numbers together.The music is in Bernstein's standard, eclectic concert-music style, with some twelve-tone sections but with other parts in a style not very diffferent from that of his musicals.The performances are excellent. Judy Kaye has the ability, not often encountered, to sing this kind of music strongly while skillfully and clearly conveying both the words of the text and the feelings behind them. William Sharp matches her with powerful and disciplined performances, their voices blending well when necessary, and there is a palpable sense of communication between them in the duets.The CD is filled out with songs and duets from musicals, as well as two selections from "Songfest," another Bernstein song cycle. Kaye really shines here, especially in the duet "Storyette H.M." from "Songfest," an exquisite "Dream With Me," and a swinging "I Can Cook Too." Sharp is also very good, if occasionally a little stiff in the musical-theatre songs, but particularly strong in the two selections from "Songfest."This CD is a winner."

Great performances of some of Bernstein's most memorable son

Peter Hoogenboom | New Zealand | 10/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This disk is divided into two sections "Songs and Duets" containing some of Bernstein's most memorable songs and "Arias and Barcarolles" his last completed work.



The "Songs and Duets" are great showing Bernstein's prodigious melodic gift. They are sung as art songs with piano and cello accompaniment and are worth the price of the disk.



"Arias and Barcarolles" is less accessible and less enjoyable.



Excellent performances and well recorded.

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