Bernstein - An American in Paris

To mark the centenary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth, Warner Classics has released a boxed set of 7 CDs featuring studio recordings and live performances new to the catalogue by Bernstein conducting the Orchestre National de France from 1975 to 1979.

  • Production companies: Warner Classics
  • Broadcaster / Distributor: Warner Classics
  • Type of use:
  • The boxed set is a celebration of the love affair between Bernstein and the orchestra that he first conducted in 1947. It is also an opportunity to rediscover the many facets of Bernstein’s genius, and his wide-ranging talents as conductor, soloist in a concerto that he conducts from the piano, and composer of the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.

    The Ravel concerts recorded live on 19 and 20 September 1975 at the Théâtre des Champs Elysées stand out as the highlights of this release, remastered by Warner Classics and INA. The works featured include Alborada del gracioso, Shéhérazade, Tzigane, La Valse, the G major Piano Concerto and the world-renowned Boléro. The concerts were enthusiastically acclaimed both by audiences and critics. In the accompanying booklet, Karine Le Bail quotes the words of Pierre Petit in Le Figaro: “The music is him. He IS Ravel.”

    The boxed set also boasts fascinating excerpts from rehearsals for the Ravel concerts, as Bernstein gives extensive instructions to his musicians. Although a tireless perfectionist, Bernstein always comes over as enthusiastic, approachable and fundamentally human.

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