Leonard Bernstein's "Inauguration Concert of Lincoln Center's Philharmonic Hall" is a captivating classical music experience that marks a significant moment in musical history. Released on January 1, 1962, under the Sony Classical label, this album captures the essence of Bernstein's masterful conducting and the orchestral brilliance of the Philharmonic Hall's inauguration.
The album is a journey through two monumental works: Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Serenade to Music" and Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major, also known as the "Symphony of a Thousand." The "Serenade to Music," inspired by Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," is a serene and lyrical piece that showcases the orchestra's delicate and expressive capabilities. Bernstein's interpretation brings out the beauty and depth of this composition, making it a standout feature of the album.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Mahler's monumental "Symphony of a Thousand," a work that demands both technical prowess and emotional depth. Bernstein's conducting is nothing short of extraordinary, guiding the orchestra through the symphony's complex and richly textured movements. The album features the first part of this epic work, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and majesty of Mahler's vision.
With a duration of 37 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful showcase of Bernstein's conducting genius and the Philharmonic Hall's inaugural concert. It's a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the magic of Bernstein's interpretations.
(P) 1962 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, George London, Shirley Verrett, Jon Vickers, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Lucine Amara, Adele Addison, Lili Chookasian, Eileen Farrell, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "How sweet the moonlight sleeps"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "Look how the floor of heaven is thick inlaid"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "Come, ho! and wake Diana with a hymn"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "I am never merry when I hear sweet music"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "Music! Hark!"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Shirley Verrett, Jon Vickers, Lucine Amara, Ezio Flagello, Richard Tucker, George London, Charles Bressler, Adele Addison, Eileen Farrell, Donald Bell
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "How many things by season"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell
Serenade to Music (From "The Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene 1"): "Soft stillness and the night"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Shirley Verrett-Carter, Richard Tucker, Charles Bressler, Jon Vickers, George London, Ezio Flagello, Donald Bell, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Eileen Farrell, Shirley Verrett
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Veni, creator spiritus!Gustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Imple superna gratiaGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Infirma nostri corporis IGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Tempo I. (Allegro, etwas hastig)Gustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Infirma nostri corporis IIGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Accende lumen sensibusGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Qui Paraclitus decerisGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir
Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand" (Part One): Gloria Patri DominoGustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic, Lili Chookasian, Jennie Tourel, Richard Tucker, Ezio Flagello, George London, Adele Addison, Lucine Amara, Schola Cantorum of New York, The Juilliard Chorus, Columbus Boychoir