Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue; An American in Paris [vinyl] Leonard Bernstein

This is a record my parents had when I was a kid. No one ever played it but me, over and over again. With Leonard Bernstein conducting and also on piano for "Rhapsody in Blue," I can't imagine a better version of these two pieces. Now that they're grown, I've made sure both my children have this recording in their music libraries. It's an indispensable example of American musical composition and musicianship. And yes, I still play it repeatedly.

Bernstein was a vastly underrated pianist. Here, the subtlety of his handling of the smallest semi-quavers is arresting. There are so many moments that catch the ear because of the directness and honesty of the playing. This is no standard bravura performance. Bernstein has no need to pound the cross-hand octaves or over-exaggerate the jazzy rhythms: they are rendered with character and a unique, personal insight. There is a freshness here forever captured by the great producer John McClure. The Columbia pickup orchestra was often mostly the NY Philharmonic by another name. You will be hard-pressed to hear a difference with the sharp stylistic playing. This is no ordinary pickup ensemble. In the tone poem, the NY Philharmonic is outstanding. This ensemble, which within ten years from the time of this recording would deliver regular jaded live performances in Philharmonic Hall, was always incomparable in the recording studio. This is one hot orchestra - Lenny's band at its best. You will not find better performances of either the Rhapsody or "American In Paris." On the negative side. This recording from the late 1950s was one of the first stereo efforts of Columbia Records and it suffers slightly with exaggerated, gimmicky stereo separation. Sadly, the editing is crude. There is an embarrassing insert at 6 minutes in with a radically different acoustical environment/mic placement and loud, distracting extraneous noises that seem to indicate the passage was taken either from a live performance or a warm-up mic test. Several entrances are cut late and jump in. But overall, this recording is not to be missed - it is an historical document of an outstanding pianist and an American orchestra that could, when it wanted to, play better than any ensemble in the world. In spite of its flaws, this disc is a treasure to me. I always hesitate to tell someone that any recording is a must have - but this one is firmly placed on my shortlist. Buy, Buy Buy. And enjoy!

Great music by probably the greatest American composer so far. Excellent recording, and magnificent performance, by one of the greatest American conductors and performers. Must have album. This was a very good pressing.

Scratch on both sides (popping) right our of sealed sleeve. Small sound for big orchestras, wide volume variances. Maybe good for hardcore Bernstein fans if not scratched.

Gave to granddaughter who at 18 is a wonderful musician and she was thrilled to get this version of American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue.

If you can crank the volume up. Both songs are amazing. I've loved Rhapsody in Blue since I was very young.

Sounds pretty good in total , but vinyl was visibly warped so I returned it.

Exc recording, very fine audio if played on a pre 1970 tube amp

Had issue down due to courier, but great seller communication sorted it out. Otherwise very happy.

Perfect for my collection great Servioce

Excellent quality

Un vinile meraviglioso,Bernstein è un direttore d'orchestra eclettico e la sua interpretazione è molto personale, vi sorprenderà. L'opera in se non penso necessiti di una mia valutazione o commento. Vinile dal sono pulito e nitido, sono vivido e dettagliato, io l'ho trovato eccellente.

Excelente grabación