Bernstein: Copland Appalachian Spring / Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue - DG 2532 084 (DDD)

Jacket EX / LP EX / LP pressed Germany - jacket printed in the USA

This handsome LP from Deutsche Grammophon (2532 084, West German pressing, white circle label, DDD stereo) features Leonard Bernstein and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra’s truly inspired accounts of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which Bernstein conducts from the keyboard. As a bonus, Bernstein’s bluesy reading of Gershwin’s Prelude for Piano No. 2 is also included. These are wonderfully evocative, brash, and yet deeply felt peformances – wonderful!

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Of the Copland, The Gramophone wrote:

"...Bernstein, who has, of course, recorded Appalachian Spring before on CBS, obtains a most sensitive performance now presented with unsurpassed clarity... The inventiveness of Copland's orchestral writing has never been sufficiently remarked, but this issue leaves no excuse for missing it."

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And of the Gershwin, the critic Robert McColley wrote in Fanfare:

"...Leonard Bernstein is pianist as well as conductor in this Rhapsody in Blue. He plays the demanding solo with élan and plenty of style. Besides demonstrating the influence of jazz, his finely shaped performance reminds one of the virtuoso concerto tradition descending from Liszt and Grieg."

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Produced by Hanno Rinke and engineered by Hans Weber, these performances were recorded “live” in concert at Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco during 22-24 July 1982.

Incidentally, the engaging cover art was executed by Mona Mark, while the art direction was supervised by H. Wolter/K. Strindberg. There are superlative liner notes on the reverse side of the album by Jack Gottlieb, provided in English and French.

CONDITION:

The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.

The condition of the jacket is EXCELLENT. There is very minor bumping at corners and a slight bit of shelfwear. There are no seamsplits, owners’ markings, bends, or other defects, and the album remains solid, bright, and attractive – overall, an excellent collector’s copy.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. Although the surfaces are not silent, really this is a fine copy and the playback is enjoyable. However, those requiring a flawless or near-MINT copy are kindly advised to look elsewhere. Overall, this is an excellent collector's copy.