Search - William Schuman, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic :: Roy Harris: Symphony No. 3 / William Schuman: Symphony No. 3 - Leonard Bernstein / New York Philharmonic

Definitive performances of 2 masterpieces

N. Daniele Pietro | Milano, MI Italy | 03/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd features two works that, seems to me, would be unfair to define only as "American" masterpieces. If they are undeniably and peculiarly American in feelings and originality of expression, their value makes them 20th century masterpieces period. I already talked about Schuman's 3rd in my review of the 1960's recording, so I'll just add that this astonishing work receives here an even better, definitive performance. Everything is perfect : the excitement is all there, but tempos are never rushed and the complex textures of the music are always crystal-clear, with the NYPO in top form. The strings are especially amazing, and the Dg recording is one of the best "live" I heard. The cd is also varied, because Harris'3rd ( a seminal work for American symphonic music) is very different in feeling: here I get kind of a "pastoral" feeling, music evocative of the great American wilderness, but without the folksy-country taste often favoured by Copland. It's noble, dignified music, that always makes me think about the immense spaces of the rural Mid and South West and the simple, hard-working life of the people there. Harris was a musical pioneer and, being a self-taught composer, he wasn't as technically accomplished or imaginative ( he is pretty much a one-work composer) as Schuman, but his lyrical feeling was warmer, his music profoundly humane. It's a measure of Bernstein's greatness that he manages perfectly two works so different, giving the Harris a heartfelt, almost devout account. Once again, splendid NYPO and first-class sound. Strongly recommended. Oh, this cd is out-of-print here in Europe, so get it while stock lasts !"

An extraordinary linstening expierence!

Chai Xiong | Shanghai,China | 04/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After listening to the 3rd symphony by William Schuman that recorded on this CD, under the baton of the great Bernstein in his greatest years, I thought I had get in touch with the very core of American culture. Yes, the symphony recorded here gave me the self-confidence, regardless all the possible ridicule of my ignorance of America.

Accord to my ears, the third symphony by Schuman is a great example of a balance among passion, thoughtfulness, exhilaration and self-control, and Bernstein drove the music to perfection. If the composer should disagree with his interpretation, it was the composer that was wrong. Furthermore, this is one of the best live recordings I have ever heard, noiseless, silk-like and proper-echoed.

Bernstein's CBS recording of the same symphony with the same orchestra, which I listened to later is also very good, but this recording is the best, and I can hardly imagine an interpretation better. In my life, I have few listening experience like this-if I exaggerate, please forgive me, and let me exaggerate on.

The third symphony by Harris renders something pastoral and spacious, being also attractive while overshadowed by its companion on this American album.

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