Leonard Bernstein: A Portrait – Classical 3‑CD Set

Product Details

• UPC: 5099704715827
• Product Type: 3‑CD Set (Classical Recording)
• Format: CD (3CDM)
• Label: SONY CLASSICAL / EMI QUINT / ical GmbH/BSICAL Corporation
• Catalog Number: SM3K 47158 / 01-047158-10
• Country of Manufacture: Manufactured in Austria; Printed in Holland/Imprimé en Hollande
• Release Date: Originally recorded during 1971/74

Overview

"Leonard Bernstein: A Portrait – Classical 3‑CD Set" presents an exceptional archival performance capturing Bernstein's genius behind both composition and interpretation. This set includes the celebrated Theatre Works, Vol. II—featuring Bernstein conducting his own compositions—as well as a complete recording of MASS, a groundbreaking theatre piece for singers, players, and dancers, and the entirely recorded Dybbuk Ballet. This collection documents historical performances, including the first presentation of MASS for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on September 8, 1971.

Product Features

• Disc 1 – MASS:

  • A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers
  • Includes movements such as:
    • I. Devotions before Mass
    • IX. Gospel-Sermon: "God Said"
  • Total Time: Approximately 54 minutes 10 seconds
  • Conducted by Leonard Bernstein with the Norman Scribner Choir and The Berkshire Boy Choir; Celebrant sung by Alan Titus

• Disc 2 – MASS (Continued):

  • Contains additional segments including:
    • X. Credo
    • XVII. Pax: Communion ("Secret Songs")
  • Total Time: Approximately 54 minutes 21 seconds

• Disc 3 – Dybbuk: Complete Ballet:

  • Features the complete ballet version of Dybbuk
  • Soloists include David Johnson (Baritone) and John Ostendorf (Bass)
  • Performed by the New York City Ballet Orchestra
  • Total Time: Approximately 48 minutes 04 seconds
  • Produced by John McClure with advanced 20‑bit “high definition sound” technology

Interesting Facts

• Historical Premiere:
  The MASS performance was specially created for and premiered at the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in September 1971—a landmark event in American musical history.

• Bernstein’s Dual Role:
  Leonard Bernstein not only conducted but also provided his innovative interpretation of his own theatrical compositions, offering audiences a rare glimpse into his artistic vision.

• Technological Enhancement:
  This recording was enhanced using 20‑bit technology, ensuring a high definition sound quality that preserves the nuances of the live performance—a testament to the production quality of early 1970s classical recordings.

Publishers

This set was produced under the auspices of Sony Music Entertainment Inc. and EMI QUINT, with distribution handled by Sony Music. Cover design by C.C. Garbers/B. Kruck and cover photography by Don Hunstein.

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English:

#LeonardBernstein #ClassicalCDSet #BernsteinPortrait #TheatreWorksVolII #MASSPerformance #DybbukBallet #SonyClassical #VintageClassical