Candide

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Additional lyrics by John LaTouche and Stephen Sondheim.

Tracks:

Candide (Overture)
New York, New York (America Medley)
Lonely Town (America Medley)
America (Ameriaca Medley)
Battle Hymn of the Republic
American Salute
America the Beautiful
This Land is Your Land
76 Trombones
St. Louis Blues March
Strike Up the Band
When the Saints go Marchin' In

Customer Reviews:

Salute to America.......2006-07-27

A good choice but..........2005-06-29

It is not the best CD that I have bought but it is an honest one. The orchestration is good, the choice of tunes is excellent and the tunes are well played. As you know, it is always difficult to say : I like it or I hate it because hearing a CD is a question of personal point of view. In my case, I may not say that I like it or I hate it, I prefer some other orchestration but it us a good CD.

Ho-Hum.......2005-06-08

I wanted some rousing marching music. This album is half asleep. The sound quality is poor. Apparently Mr. Williams writes better music than he conducts.

"Boston Pops".. Alway's do the Job!.......2001-10-03

John Williams/Boston Pops.. Salute to America.

And they do! They salute America! This is a wonderful C.D
Battle Hymn of the Republic, is great..

New York, New York,will bring tears to your eyes!
12 renditions in all..

All these are performed wonderfully, and well worth the money!

I would recommend this to anyone who loves patriotic music, it will stir the heart and soul of Americans....

Full-Spirited.......2000-09-02

I'm a classical music/opera person for the most part. But I find this CD entralling. Even the organization of the CD is ideal-almost like a symphony--with the rousing Candide Overture and the musical medleys at the beginning, the patriotic songs as the B section, and the Dixieland and other music from American musicals to finish up. And I particularly like the orchestration of the medleys. A wonderful CD.

Average customer rating:

annoying, endearing
Candide
Better words, better singing, all too brief!
I'd rather have the studio cast
a Broadway milestone

Candide (1956 Original Broadway Cast)
Leonard Bernstein , Richard Wilbur , Max Adrian , and Barbara Cook
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Gypsy - A Musical Fable (1959 Original Broadway Cast)
She Loves Me (1963 Original Broadway Cast)
A Little Night Music (1973 Original Broadway Cast)
Candide: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1997 Revival)
Leonard Bernstein's Candide (Great Performances)

ASIN: B0000996FW
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

Overture - orchestra
The Best of All Possible Worlds [Ensemble]
Oh, Happy We - Robert Rounseville & Barbara Cook
It Must Me So - Robert Rounseville
Paris Waltz Scene
Glitter and Be Gay - Barbara Cook
You Were Dead, You Know - Robert Rounseville & Barbara Cook
My Love - William Olvis, Barbara Cook, Irra Petina
I Am Easily Assimilated - Irra Petina, Barbara Cook, chorus
Finale Act 1 - Quartet
Quiet - Irra Petina, William Olvis, Barbara Cook
Eldorado - Robert Rounseville
Bon Voyage - William Orvis
What's the Use? - Irra Petina
Gavotte
Finale: Make Our Garden Grow - Entire company
Overture to Candide (bonus) - New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Amazon.com

This original 1956 production, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Richard Wilbur, and libretto by Lillian Hellman, based on Voltaire's novel of the same name, was not a hit, except as a recording. Presenting the remarkable Broadway debut of Barbara Cook as Cunegonde (she still sings "Glitter and Be Gay," or "The Jewel Song" better than anybody) and a praiseworthy Bernstein score, Candide on disc quickly became a cult favorite. None of the endless stream of revivals (most recently the abysmal 1997 Broadway staging), replete with new libretti, additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and Hal Prince three-ring-circus staging, has improved the oil-and-water marriage of Voltaire's satire and an operetta-ish approach to musicals. Candide in fact may be the only musical in history to incorporate both first-rate and 10th-rate material as well as everything in between. They may never get it right on stage. But fortunately it's been all right on record for more than four decades. Cook and company (including the operatic tenor Robert Rounseville in the title role, and Irra Pettina as the comic Old Woman) still glitter on audio. --Robert Windeler

Album Description

Additional lyrics by John LaTouche, Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker and Leonard Bernstein.

Customer Reviews:

annoying, endearing.......2007-05-17

An amusing Broadway classic, at least. Interesting, if slightly inaccurate adaptation of Voltaire's great novel. Admittedly Bernstein is able to, through song, bring some points and moments to a clarity I've never gotten out of the book itself. Worth it for a Broadway fan and an open minded fan of intertextual works.

Candide.......2007-02-15

Wonderful, though I prefer the rich maturity of Barbara Cook's voice now to the beauty and purity of it in her youth.

Better words, better singing, all too brief!.......2005-08-29

Someday, a genius producer will make this show work, probably as a film instead of a staged production. Until then, we must bask in the fabulous music, the best of which, perfectly sung, remains on this all-too-abbreviated original cast recording. Ideally, this recording should be supplemented by Bernstein's 1989 recording of a complete score. The two together represent youth and age, sadly.

All the tinkering and updating went for naught when you compare the original "Best of all possible worlds" words with later versions. Candide was a child of the 18th century and 1950s and should remain so.

I'd rather have the studio cast.......2005-01-18

after recently viewing candide in concert i took out the original cast and it was a disapointment.I'd rather have the studio cast recording because it has the stephen sondhiem lyrics aswell as the clasic bernstien music. the original only has 16 songs where as the studio cast has 34 songs, 10 more than the revival cast. my dad recieved tickets to the rvival cast directly from stephen sondhiem himself. the studio cast also has a lot of extra instrumental pieces such as the battle music.

a Broadway milestone.......2003-09-29

Leonard Bernstein's CANDIDE was a Broadway flop when it first opened in 1956 at the Martin Beck Theatre, shuttering after an abysmal 73 performances. Though the show has never quite achieved the greatness it deserves, the Overture is considered to be one of the greatest, most thrilling ever written. The original 1956 cast album of the show has now been reissued on the Columbia Broadway Masterworks label.

Based on the play by Voltaire, the show starred Robert Rounseville ('Mr Snow' in the film version of CAROUSEL) as Candide, with Irra Petina as the Old Woman with One Buttock and Max Adrian as Dr Pangloss. Barbara Cook (the City Center revival of CAROUSEL, PLAIN AND FANCY) stars as the young ingenue Cunegonde.

The score, by Leonard Bernstein by lyrics by Richard Wilbur, John LaTouche and Dorothy Parker, is superb. The musical is best known for the devilish 'jewel song' aria "Glitter and Be Gay", sung by the clarion soprano of Barbara Cook, who infuses it with all the vocal pyrotechnics that it calls for."I Am Easily-Assimilated" is comically performed by Irra Petina, whilst the baritone of Robert Rounseville is showcased in "It Must Be So".

As a bonus on this new reissue, there is the majestic sweeping Overture as performed by the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Leonard Bernstein himself. There are also brand-new liner notes including an essay from Barbara Cook.

Tracks:

Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
Swanee- Al Jolson
When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
My Man- Fanny Brice
Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
Body And Soul- Libby Holman
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
Night And Day- Fred Astaire
Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
You're The Top- Ethel Merman
Summertime- Anne Brown
September Song- Walter Huston
My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
People- Barbra Streisand
Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
Come Follow The Band
Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

Memory- Betty Buckley
I Am What I Am- George Hearn
Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
With One Look- Glenn Close
On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
Seasons Of Love-
Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Bernstein: Candide; West Side Story; On the Waterfront; Fancy Free

Average customer rating:

A one-of-a-kind (almost) collection
One to remember Lenny by
Fundamental recording icon !
Terrific performances
An amazing Bernstein snapshot

Bernstein: Candide; West Side Story; On the Waterfront; Fancy Free

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony

ASIN: B0000029XI
Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

Overture to Candide-Allegro molto con brio
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Prologue. Allegro moderato
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: 'Somewhere.' Adagio
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Scherzo. Vivace e leggiero
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Mambo. Presto
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Cha-Cha
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Meeting Scene. Meno mosso
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: 'Cool' Fugue. Allegretto
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Rumble. Molto allegro
Symphonic Dances from West Side Story: Finale. Adagio
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: Andante (with dignity)- Presto barbaro
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: Allegro molto
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: More Flowing
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: Moving forward, with warmth-Largamente-a tempo-Calmato-Andante come prima-sempre avanti,
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: Allegro non troppo, molto marcato
Symphonic Suite from the film On the Waterfront: A tempo
Fancy Free Ballet: I. Enter three Sailors
Fancy Free Ballet: II. Scene at the Bar
Fancy Free Ballet: III. Enter two Girls
Fancy Free Ballet: IV. Pas de deux
Fancy Free Ballet: V. Competition Scene
Fancy Free Ballet: VI. Three Dance Variations: Variation I (Galop)
Fancy Free Ballet: VI. Three Dance Variations: Variation II (Waltz)
Fancy Free Ballet: VI. Three Dance Variations: Variation III (Danzon
Fancy Free Ballet: VII. Finale

Amazon.com

This release comes from Sony's immense backlog of famous recordings of Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic. In fact, these works trace the evolution of the New York Philharmonic into a world-class orchestra in the late 1950s under Bernstein's hand. At this remove in time, we can almost hear New York in these works. Bernstein deftly captures the shimmering glamour of his music, particularly in Overture to Candide and the astonishing Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. If you don't own this music--and these performances--you should. --Paul Cook

Amazon.com

Fancy Free provided Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, and Adolf Green with the inspiration for the his hit musical On the Town. The ballet describes the adventures of three sailors on 24-hour shore leave in New York City, and does so with music typically jazzy and popular in style. Coupled with the marvelous dance music from West Side Story and the suite from Bernstein's only film score, On the Waterfront, this disc should quickly become the cornerstone of any Bernstein collection. One of the problems Bernstein's music has faced both on disc and in public performance arises from the simple fact that no one played it better than he did. As you can hear for yourself, he's a tough, but perhaps not completely impossible, act to follow. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A one-of-a-kind (almost) collection.......2007-01-09

Anyone who loves Bernstein's theater music has probably owned this CD or its LP equivalent for decades. The sonics are still great--the huge, lush sound that Cloumbia favored for the NY Phil. in Manhattan Center. David Hurwitz is silly to say that Bernstein's music has had "a problem" because he conducted it so well. There's no problem, but it's undeniable that LB was his own ideal conductor. Recently Carl Davis, an experienced film conductor, has led the Royal Phil. of London in the same program we have here. The sound is updated somewhat, and the price is ultra-bargain. So for the first time in forty years one can say that LB has a close rival in the West Side Story suite.

One to remember Lenny by.......2005-02-17

A composer/conductor at the peak of his energy level in some of his own most vibrant music, working with an orchestra that (in these recordings anyway) was an extension of his personality--what more could you possibly want? In later years Bernstein re-recorded most of this music for DG (including the WSS "Symphonic Dances"), and while those readings are technically fine, they miss a lot of the verve and New York atmosphere that this CD exudes. The version I'm writing about is a 2004 reissue with remastered sound and a bonus in the form of Three Dance Episodes from "On the Town."

Fundamental recording icon ! .......2004-10-08

I am not a hard fan of Leonard Bernstein , but there are exceptional cases like this in which you simply have yo say : Bravo Maestro !
The Candide overture is terrific . Based on the Voltaire work , the overture of almost five minutes is a tribute to the life . played with dyonisiac enthusiasm and overpassing passion .
The West Side Story Suite is extraordinary played . Personally I do not know about any other performance which can match with this one .
On the waterfront is simply brilliant . This is the soundtrack of that brave film of Elia Kazan of the early fifties .
And Fancy free performing only matches with another version of the same director with the Columbia Symphony of 1950 . I hace it in vynil , because believe or not ; this recording has not transfered to CD .
But this set is simply fundamental for you . Be or not a fan of Bernstein , because that inspired music represents the golden years of Bernstein as composer and conductor .
The New York Philarmonic members played as real Greek Gods .
Supreme majesty and overwhelming passion .

Terrific performances.......2003-01-27

I bought this CD a few years ago just to for the "Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront," which is one of my all-time favorite classic film scores. The NYPO's performance is very robust and energetic, and easily the best version available of the piece. Bernstein recorded this same piece again many years later with the Israel Philharmonic, but I found it lacking the same drive and passion as the earlier one. The NYPO really captures the mood of New York and the struggle of the dockworkers, as Bernstein envisioned for the film. And they also splendidly perform the love theme, too.

The rest of the album is also very good, but they're largely his standards that you've probably once too often. "On the Waterfront" is certainly a treat for any fan of film music from Hollywood's Golden Age. One can only imagine what it would have been like had Bernstein scored more films, but apparently the experience he had (music was cut or removed around in the film) made him think twice. But this CD is a winner.

An amazing Bernstein snapshot.......2002-11-26

If I had to choose five recordings to represent Leonard Bernstein at his absolute best, this would be one of them. Made in the mid-1960's, these recordings have been reissued a number of times, but never sounding as natural as they do here. They show off some of Bernstein's best work as a composer, as well as his inimitable conducting talent and legendary rapport with the New York Philharmonic during that time.

The disc opens with the rollicking overture to "Candide" - totally infectious - and although some other versions (including Bernstein's later one for Deutsche Grammophon) may be its equal, I can think of none that surpass this one in sheer excitement and precision. Ditto for the sizzling suite from "West Side Story," which will probably remain definitive for many years.

The sweeping music from the film "On the Waterfront" is stirringly conducted, and the addition of the sparkling ballet "Fancy Free" makes this disc a serious contender for many "Desert Island" lists. As for the recording itself, the 1960's sound is excellent and quite listenable. Obviously great care has been taken to preserve the original source material after all these years.

Tracks:

West Side Story Suite
Lonely Town
Make Our Garden Grow
-8. Serenade
New York, New York

Amazon.com essential recording

This all-Bernstein disc includes four compositions in addition to the title piece, of which only the "Serenade" was originally written for solo violin and orchestra. John Corigliano made the arrangement of "Make Our Garden Grow," the famous final song from Candide, and William David Brohn, who had long been close to Bernstein's music, arranged two songs from On the Town. His West Side Story Suite is a free adaptation rather than an arrangement; he calls it the greatest adventure of his musical life.

However, the real hero of the recording is Joshua Bell, for whom Sony commissioned the Suite; he collaborated closely with Brohn in its creation and contributed one of the two cadenzas. Not surprisingly, its violin part, as well as those of the other arrangements, are written to his strengths, which seem to be growing and expanding all the time. His virtuosity is breathtaking and he revels in it with unbridled exuberance. His tone is ravishingly beautiful, intense, focused, pure; it can generate a warm glow and a radiant shimmer. His facility and silvery sound in the violin's topmost register have always been particularly striking and are displayed throughout to terrific effect. He handles Bernstein's multifaceted style, rhythm, and idiom with easy, natural mastery. His love and respect for the music come through in his ability to identify with its swiftly changing moods and in his strongly felt, direct expressiveness. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Superb, Magical!.......2002-07-28

I have been fortunate enough to have seen Joshua Bell perform this piece live! He interprets the piece so well, playing tenderly, magically, casually, and with a in-your-face quality that outlines the character of this piece so well. West-Side Story has been interpreted beautifully into a suite almost resembling a Violin Concerto.
The sound quality in this recording is superb and sparkling, as if live.
This is a must-have for any music library.

A Match Made in Heaven.......2002-04-11

Bell and Bernstein seem made for each other as one can hear in this wonderful recording. Bell's playing somehow is absolutely "right" in it's evocation of Bernstein's spirit and no more so than in the "West Side Story" suite. Special mention should go to Brohn (the arranger on this record) for raising the often disparaged technique of "mere" arranging to high art indeed! More than just a medley of tunes, Brohn creates a virtual violin concerto out of Bernstein's unforgettable melodies all without distortion of the source material. The transitions between the sections are astonishing in terms of sheer invention while retaining absolute fidelity to the composer- a remarkable feat! Joshua's playing soars and exalts and his no-holds barred romantic approach cannot fail to connect emotionally with the listener. The hair on the back of my neck stood up during the "Tonight" section both times I heard it. The rest of the CD is very good too. This CD manages the rare trick of creating a commercially succesful offering that is a real and satisying work of art.
Absolutely terrific!

This is what virtuosity sounds like.......2001-12-27

When violin virtuoso Joshua Bell released this album, many in the classical community bemoaned the death of true classical music. Here was one of their foremost musicians "crossing over" into what they termed "pop" music. Such a dismissal does a great disservice to Bell, and, indeed, to Leonard Bernstein.

"West Side Story" may not be a Sibelius concerto, but it is still a beautifully rendered, worthwhile piece of music. Bell's emotive musicianship raises the piece to a new height. His technique is unparalleled, and the pathos he creates during "Maria" and "Somewhere" is just stunning. His gorgeous cadenzas seem like they belonged in "West Side Story" all along, and his playing evokes an impressive range of emotions.

This retooling of "West Side Story" also attests to Leonard Bernstein's staying power. While classical purists mired in the 19th century aim to dimiss Bernstein as just a flash in the pan, the "West Side Story" suite suggests that his music will endure. This is one "crossover" that's worth buying.

I also got one for my doctor--.......2001-10-17

When we saw The Red Violin and we fell madly in love with the film and the music we had to own it. And we do. Then we saw Joshua Bell doing something from the West Side Story CD on Today and had to buy the album. Today I bought another and we're looking to buy more. There are no words to describe this genius. There is nothing to compare the beauty of the sounds that eminate from his talent. He is incomparable. No one ever could equal him. No one has and no one will. We thank him for hours of sheer enchantment found nowhere else. And with all that has happened since September 11, this is the only thing that has rescued us from the depths of hell. Thank you Joshua Bell. May you ring forever and ever and ever.

I also got one for my doctor--.......2001-10-17

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Horn Album
Farewell to Red Castle
An Awesome Recording

Take 9

Manufacturer: Musicians Showcase
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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American Horn Quartet
4 x 4
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ASIN: B0000AKMW6
Release Date: 2003-06-15

Tracks:

Kerry Turner: Take 9 Antiphonal Fanfare
Turner: Farewell to Red Castle
Turner: Barbara Allen
Turner: Ghosts of Dublin
Eric Ewazen: Grand Canyon Suite
Eric Ewazen: Grand Canyon Suite
Eric Ewazen: Grand Canyon Suite
Bernstein, arr. Deck: Overture to Candide
Brahms, arr. Elkjer: Hungarian Dance No. 5
Desmond, arr. Custer & Myers: Take Five
Gershwin, arr. Yates: I Got Rhythm

Album Description

OK horn fans, here it is…one the world's esteemed chamber groups teams up with one of the world's most storied horn sections for a CD that is-literally and figuratively-a blast! This recording is by any measure a virtuoso performance; these nine guys, all gifted in their own right, combine their talents to create an end result that is nothing short of breathtaking. From commissioned works to clever arrangements, the American Horn Quartet and the Horns of the New York Philharmonic tear through this music with a verve and flair rarely heard these days. In short, if you're a fan of the horn, you must have this recording!

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Horn Album.......2006-03-27

The hornists are simply fantastic. Many segments of the music thrill me, nearly take my breath away. Although many pieces represent their diverse skills I would love to have a presentation of more of the fanfare type pieces, the type which show the glory and power of the horn. Love the Ewazen piece. Love the Irish pieces. Thought the recording was a little muffled. Had to turn my stereo up too loud to get the full effect. Over all one great horn album.

Steve Ward

Farewell to Red Castle.......2004-01-11

Take 9 is the best CD I own. My favorite song is the second on the track. Farewell to Red Castle. It's the most incredible peice, especially with 9 horns playing it. It is fun and exciting along with slow and beautiful. it's a great representation of the entire collection of Take 9's songs. wOOt!

An Awesome Recording.......2003-09-09

This is an awesome recording combining 9 great players. The music is beautiful, but still showy, an excellent combination for this group of horns. Overture to Candide is incredible, and the Grand Canyon Suites is one of the greatest horn recording I have ever heard. This recording belongs in any horn players library.

Average customer rating:

Oh Happy Day!!
The Whole Story
Having actually seen the production...
FINALLY it's here!!!!!!
Bernstein meets Saturday Night Live

Candide (1974 Broadway Revival Cast)
Leonard Bernstein , Mark Baker , Maureen Brennan , Lewis J. Stadlen , Sam Freed , June Gable , Deborah St. Darr , and Richard Wilbur
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000GRTQR0
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

Overture
Life Is Happiness Indeed/Parade
The Best Of All Possible Worlds
Oh Happy We
It Must Be So
O Miserere
Oh Happy We (Reprise)
The Rich Jew And The Grand Inquisitor
Glitter And Be Gay
Auto Da Fe (What A Day)
This World
You Were Dead, You Know
The Rich Jew And The Grand Inquisitor (Dialogue)
Spanish Music
I'm Easily Assimilated

Tracks:

I'm Easily Assimilated (Reprise)
My Love
Barcarolle (Upon A Ship At Sea)
Alleluia
Sheep's Song
Bon Voyage
The Beast Of All Possible Worlds (Reprise)
You WEre Dead, You Know (Reprise)
Barcarolle (Reprise)/The Wisest Man In The World
Finale: Make Our Garden Grow

Customer Reviews:

Oh Happy Day!!.......2007-01-10

Finally!! My album was worn out years ago. This will be the definitive production of Candide in my memoir. The Broadway Theater, gutted and actors and audience scattered about everywhere! I was so smitten I saw it 3 times.
Lewis J Stadlen is one of America's premiere character actors and here we have captured an early shining example of his talents. A fine singing cast with wonderful orchestrations and smart musical direction (a lot is gained by losing a number or two, like "Quiet") round out a delightful audio transcription of this wry, witty production.

The Whole Story.......2007-01-05

Saw this production in NY and loved it. All subsequent performances that I have seen have paled in comparison. There are better versions musically but this is the only one that included the narration by Lewis J. Stadlin as Dr. Pangloss and all of the other characters that he plays. The cast is youthful and energetic- musically, this version is one of the most upbeat that I've heard. The Overture is a force of nature by itself. Worth a listen if only because the presentation is so different than any version of the work out there.

Having actually seen the production..........2006-11-28

... as one who sat on one of the hills overlooking the valleys (directly above Cunegonde when she sang Glitter and Be Gay), I'd posit that this is the production Voltaire himself would have adored. Yes, it's vulgar (in a 70s kind of way) and offensive (in a 70s kind of way), but it's also far truer to the spirit of the book than anything presented in an opera house (with the possible exception of the concert version staged last year at Lincoln Centre). Prince approached this as something akin to a medieval-era "round", with numerous stages set about the space connected by a circular ramp that in turn led to a main stage at one end and a higher secondary stage at the other (all of which was used brilliantly in the "ship at sea" scene, amoung many others). The action was non-stop, incredibly subversive, and as improvisational as the Voltaire novel: people die, then they re-appear later with some fantastic story of how they managed to survive, only to die yet again.

I had this version on tape and practically wore it out. It doesnt have the full blown orchestral feel, but that's the beauty of the concept: it doesnt need it, nor does it feel it necessary. It's Candide presented as commedia, not opera. And it's one you simply cannot go wrong listening to.

FINALLY it's here!!!!!!.......2006-11-14

Just about every recording of CANDIDE available (save the original 1956 recording) is based in some way on this production. It only makes sense that this should be available, as it's the one that really got the ball rolling. The original (produced in 1956 with lyrics by Richard Wilbur and John LaTouche and a klunky book by Lillian Hellman) did not soar, though many of the songs from the score were revered (especially the glorious Overture). In 1974 Hal Prince hired Hugh Wheeler to rewrite the book and Stephen Sondheim to fill in lyrics where needed and staged it in an environmental setting which finally brought the story and characters to full life. The result was an incredibly successful off-Broadway run that quickly transferred to Broadway as the first successful professional production of CANDIDE. Why we have had to wait so long for it to be available on CD I cannot even begin to fathom.

I don't yet have the CD (though I'm buying it as soon as I finish typing this) so I can't comment on the quality or how it's been remastered, but I do have this version on vinyl and I can comment on the performances. It is hardly the most well-sung CANDIDE out there. If you want that, grab the Scottish Opera version or the '99 National Theatre recording. This 1974 production is, however, the most jubilant of all the recordings out there (and I've heard all of them). The energy level in the music (with a pit that was reduced from its original operatic proportions to a 9-piece band) is higher than any CANDIDE I've heard, and the performers seem to be having enormous fun with the wonderful material. The acting can be corny at times and some of the new lines that were added to explain physical jokes are often pretty groan-worthy. But this is a full recording of a breakthrough production with practically the full libretto. A definite must-have for any CANDIDE fan.

Bernstein meets Saturday Night Live.......2006-11-10

If you are a purist and think of Candide as an operetta, then this is NOT the recording for you. However, if you would like a version that captures the comic spirit of Voltaire's book, then buy this version.
Virtually all of the entire script and score of this 1974 revival of Candide is on this recording. Although musical thatre buffs find this versionlacking, Hal Prince's rethinking of this musical is the most successful run in this show's history.

True: Barbara Cook has no equal when it comes to her interpretation of Glittler and Be Gay on the original Broadway recording. But Maureen Brennan does a pretty good job herself.

True: Prince cut several songs that he felt slowed down his new production. (Some of these songs reappeared in later opera house and Broadway productions directed by Prince himself.) But when listening to this recording on its own, you won't miss them.

Between this and the Original Broadway cast recording, there is no need to buy any other version of this show.

Average customer rating:

Crossover at Its Best
If Dawn Upshaw had made only one album...
Great songs by a better than average singer. Buy It.
A must album for all musical theatre lovers.
Timeless recording

I Wish It So
soprano Dawn Upshaw , Marc Blitzstein , Eric Stern , Stephen Sondheim , Kurt Weill , Leslie Stifelman , Leonard Bernstein , and Matthias Naegele
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005J2V
Release Date: 1994-08-02

Tracks:

I Wish It So
There Won't Be Trumpets - Sondheim
What More Do I Need? - Sondheim
That's Him
The Girls Of Summer - Sondheim
The Saga Of Jenny
Like It Was
Stay Well
I Feel Pretty
Glitter And Be Gay
My Ship
In The Clear
Never Get Lost - Take Me To The World
My New Friends - Bernstein

Amazon.com essential recording

With a spirit of innocence and excitement, no audible breaks of register, and perfect diction, Dawn Upshaw graces us with a satisfying crossover recording in which each song is a fully realized musical monologue. The eclectic and infrequently performed repertoire, from Bernstein, Blitzstein, Sondheim, and Weill, compliments her charm and interpretive acuity. There's her humorous "Saga of Jenny," her adorable "That's Him," her poignant "Like It Was," and her freshly vibrant "I Feel Pretty." Conductor Eric Stern is divine in his arrangements and accompaniment. This is one of the best musical theater albums available. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Crossover at Its Best.......2006-11-15

"I Wish It So" is the CD that first introduced the exceptional "crossover" talents of soprano Dawn Upshaw. The album, which comprises (mostly) little-heard songs by Kurt Weill, Marc Blitzstein, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim, opens with the title number, a lyrical gem from Blitzstein's JUNO, and continues with Sondheim's vibrant "There Won't Be Trumpets," in which Upshaw, rather than belting, lets her voice ring. She then slam-dunks Sondheim's "What More Do I Need," a truly raucous number. Other highlights include the two songs from Weill's LADY IN THE DARK: the haunting ballad "My Ship" and the witty "The Saga of Jenny," presented here in a superb jazz arrangement. The sound of Upshaw's lower middle voice in this number is thrilling. Her combining of Blizstein's "Never Get Lost" and Sondheim's soaring, life-affirming "Take Me to the World" is perfect, as is her musical yet emotional rendition of "Like It Was" from Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. The album climaxes with the mock-coloratura aria "Glitter and Be Gay" from Bernstein's CANDIDE, in which Upshaw scales the heights with consistently pure and beautiful tone. In a day when many great opera singers attempt, unsuccessfully, to sing "popular" song, "I Wish It So" is an example of crossover at its very best. It is a CD that no one who loves both opera and musicals should miss.

If Dawn Upshaw had made only one album..........2006-08-24

I have a weak spot for crossover albums by opera stars, which can often be train wrecks or embarrissing self-parodies. There's not a cringe-worthy note in this one, however. Dawn Upshaw has never been as vibrant on disc, and her style in pop music (albeit serious pop music) surpasses expectations. She is a master at touching vulnerability and stars-in-her-eyes vulnerability. There's no current Broadway star who can match her in any of these songs form Sondheim, Weill, and Bernstein, certainly not for sheer beauty of voice and charm. Upshaw went on to make an excellent album of Rodgers and Hart songs, but nothing else quite matches this first effort.

Great songs by a better than average singer. Buy It........2006-04-24

'I Wish It So' sung by popular / classical switch hitter, Dawn Upshaw is a very, very good interpretation of classical American musical theatre pieces by four masters of the genre, Leonard Bernstein (music), Marc Blitzstein (lyrics), Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) and Kurt Weill (music). As I am most familiar with female interpretations of Kurt Weill's songs, especially by the likes of his widow, Lotte Lenya and Weill interpreter extraordinare, Ute Lemper, I have to say that while Upshaw does them justice, she does ont outshine the very best Weill interpretations. Primarily, I believe she suffers from never actually performing the works on stage, as Lenya has.

And, since Ute Lemper did an album with a similar collection of songs (Illusions) from Sondheim and others, I thing Lemper still has the edge on interpreting other composers as well.

On the positive side, I find Upshaw's interpretation as good or better than almost everyone else who makes a career out of these songs, such as, dare I say it, Barbra Streisand. This is a good thing, because I believe Upshaw is not up to the very best mezzos who share her classical works. She can't hold a candle, for example, to Renee Fleming or Anne Sofie von Otter, although her interpretations of Weill are as good as von Otter, just not as good as Lenya and Lemper.

A very, very nice album if you like female vocalists.

A must album for all musical theatre lovers........2005-04-21

Dawn Upshaw once again disproves the adage that opera singers can't sing showtunes properly. Her diction, her ability to act out the lyrics and her crystal clear angel-like voice are just heavenly. Miss Upshaw could teach quite a few Broadway and Cabaret singers a thing or two about interpretation and she would have her hands full teaching opera singers like Te Kanawa or Fleming how to put over a showtune properly. Simply divine!

Timeless recording.......2004-07-20

This is an endlessly rewarding album by an operatic soprano who demonstrates an expressiveness and range rare in crossover albums of this sort. Upshaw modifies her classical technique without compromising it, narrating with a conversational tone and youthful ebullience well-suited to musical theater. She continues her tradition of championing obscure American art songs with three gorgeous Blitzstein pieces, and wisely avoids the standard, overdone Sondheim showpieces in favor of several gorgeous lesser-known songs. "I Feel Pretty" is given a refreshing makeover, while "Glitter and Be Gay" demonstrates both her impressive vocal control and comedic prowess. Despite the odd choice of "There Won't Be Trumpets", which demands a belter to properly execute the climax, this album is a well-conceived and cohesive collection that becomes more enjoyable on each subsequent listen.

Candide: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1997 Revival)

Average customer rating:

My least favourite version
CAN ONE HAVE TOO MANY VERSIONS OF BERNSTEIN'S BROADWAY MASTERPIECE? . . . .
Give me the original
a glittering new cast album of Leonard Bernstein's jewel
It's no Bernstein

Candide: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1997 Revival)

Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003GA7
Release Date: 1997-07-29

Tracks:

Overture
The Best Of All Possible Worlds
Oh, Happy We
It Must Be So
Paris Waltz
Glitter And Be Gay
You Were Dead, You Know
My Love
I'm Easily Assimilated
Finale (Quartet) (The New World)
Quiet
Eldorado
Bon Voyage
What's The Use?
Venice Gavotte
Make Our Garden Grow
Overture To 'Candide' (Alternate Version)
Eldorado - New Broadway Cast Recording
Sheep Song - New Broadway Cast Recording
The Governor's Waltz - New Broadway Cast Recording
Bon Voyage - New Broadway Cast Recording
Quiet - New Broadway Cast Recording
What's The Use - New Broadway Cast Recording
Make Our Garden Grow - New Broadway Cast Recording

Album Description

Additional lyrics by John LaTouche.

Customer Reviews:

My least favourite version.......2006-11-28

It simply tries too hard to be hip and smart and funny, and as a result it's none of them. Musically, it manages to make the score sound flat and almost dull.

Avoid this one. There are far better ones available. This one simply misses the mark.

CAN ONE HAVE TOO MANY VERSIONS OF BERNSTEIN'S BROADWAY MASTERPIECE? . . . . .......2006-07-23

I wouldn't part with the Original (1957) Broadway cast recording for anything, especially because of Robert Rounseville's Candide and Barbara Cook's stunning Cunegonde. But that's not to say one shouldn't own this 1997 revival recording as well. Fans of the show know there are at least four different incarnations of CANDIDE, including Bernstein's final revision in 1989, and what's wrong with having all of them?

The first revision was the celebrated "Chelsea version" of 1974, with a new book by Hugh Wheeler and some new (and some revised) lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The actor playing Dr. Pangloss also plays Voltaire, the Governor, the Host, and the Sage. A new opening number, "Life Is Happiness Indeed," ". . . comically [establishes] the central characters' innocence and naivete." The parts of Maximillian and Paquette have been expanded, and it is not Cunegonde, but Maximillian (in drag) who sings "My Love" with the lecherous Governor. "Quiet" is out and "Sheep's Song" is in. Also deleted are "Words, Words, Words," "Money, Money, Money," "We Are Women," and "Nothing More Than This." (For a more complete version, check out the Scottish Opera version, the 1999 Royal National Cast version, or Bernstein's "final revised edition" of 1989.)

In this 1997 revival, The Old Lady (a wonderful characterization by Andrea Martin) cleverly insinuates herself into the plot, early in act one, informing Pangloss (and the audience) of her central role in the proceedings. It also includes considerable narration, by the author Voltaire, to move the plot along.

What about the singers? Jim Dale is truly fine in his multiple roles and Jason Danieley sings the socks off Candide's songs. Very exciting performance. Harolyn Blackwell has a gorgeous voice (see Byron Kolln's review), but her tone quality is a little heavy for my taste, making her Cunegonde sound more worldly than Barbara Cook's. Even though she's been repeatedly raped and has become the mistress to both the Grand Inquisitor and The Rich Jew, Cook's Cunegonde remains a virgin to the very end. Stacey Logan is a perky Paquette, and Brent Barrett is a wonderfully-vain Maximilian.

[...]

If you're a CANDIDE junkie, then you need to own this recording, as well as the "original" original cast. I also own the Musical Heritage Society's highlights from the 1988 Scottish Opera, which I find lifeless and dull. It was recorded during rehearals for the production, which makes me believe it is NOT to be compared to the "complete" recording (That's Entertainment) that John Kendrick admires.

But as I said before: Can one have too many versions of Bernstein's Broadway masterpiece? I think not.

Give me the original.......2004-04-15

I liked this CD. It was really nice to hear the full score for the first time. The performances are wonderful, especially Andrea Martin who's delightful to watch onstage (I saw her in Oklahoma!). But my complaint lies in the lyrics. I dislike the new lyrics for The Best of All Possible Worlds, a song I find essential to the show and the new lyrics I feel don't mesh as well with the show.

Barbara Cook and Robert Rounseville are much better on the original recording, which is now re-released and is phenomenal, finally the best Candide Recording. Buy the original, it's cheaper and better. If not for any other reason than for "Glitter and be Gay" which got a 2 minute standing ovation on opening night, December 1, 1956. That night, the Overture, lauded as one of the best ever, also received a 2 minute standing ovation.

The book to Candide may have it's major flaws (and it does), but you can't say anytihng about the score. It's one of Bernstein's best, and definitely one of the best in Musical Theatre History.

a glittering new cast album of Leonard Bernstein's jewel.......2003-10-22

CANDIDE is Leonard Bernstein's masterpiece. Based on the play by Voltaire, the operetta-flavored score is simply delicious, full of great pieces including the showstopping aria "Glitter and Be Gay".

The 1997 Broadway revival succeded in introducing a whole new generation to the musical. It featured a cast including Jim Dale (BARNUM) as Dr Pangloss, Andrea Martin (GYPSY) as the Old Lady with One Buttock, Jason Danieley as Candide, Stacey Logan (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) as Paquette and Harolyn Blackwell as Cunegonde.

Harolyn Blackwell indeed has a thrilling soprano voice, and sings the devilish 'jewel song' aria "Glitter and Be Gay" with confidence and panache, but I feel she over-plays the comedy and makes the song less stylish. Barbara Cook (on the original Broadway cast album) is still considered to be the definitive Cunegonde.

Andrea Martin spins gold with "I Am Easily-Assimilated", and Jim Dale is humorous and caustic in his performance. Jason Danieley has a lovely voice which he puts to good use in his choice numbers as Candide.

All-in-all, a worthy recording but if you want the definitive Cunegonde of Barbara Cook, stick to the original Broadway cast album.

It's no Bernstein.......2002-07-27

Compared to the Deustche Grammphone 1989 version, I think one could be robbed if they bought this from the final musical version conducted by the composer shortly before his passing. The book, albeit, does make better sense in this new cast recording, however, the listener isn't able to hear some of the wonderful tunes on the earlier version. I know, for the sakes of the masses, that the producers intended to condense the opera to a more time-friendly musical, but when you're investing in the music, you're better off purchasing the other than this recording.