Bernstein's _first_ recorded 2nd

[David Boxwell]

Anyone else given this a spin yet?

Boston, 25 March 1949 (Addison, Merriman, unnamed choir, BSO).  Wave Hill Radio Archives box set "LB: Historical Recordings", released last year.   Also of interest: 26 mins of LB rehearsing the work 4 days before, including about 5 minutes of LB crooning/groaning ("croaning") "Urlicht".

Timings:

1. Allegro maestoso 22:14
2. Andante moderato 10:37
3. In ruhig ... 9:39
4. Urlicht: 5:08
5. Finale: 32:13

Total time: 79:53

N.B. Can be heard on Spotify, also.

[barry guerrero]

The one I like the best - and one that I think you should try to pursue - is the one Bernstein did in Cleveland. I don't remember what year that comes from, but it's a truly great performance in pretty decent sound.

[James Meckley]

The one I like the best - and one that I think you should try to pursue - is the one Bernstein did in Cleveland. I don't remember what year that comes from, but it's a truly great performance in pretty decent sound.

July, 1970
Christa Ludwig, mezzo-soprano
Lorna Haywood, soprano
Blossom Music Shed

BTW, this performance took place while George Szell was in hospital fighting bone-marrow cancer. He died at the end of the month.

[waderice]

The one I like the best - and one that I think you should try to pursue - is the one Bernstein did in Cleveland. I don't remember what year that comes from, but it's a truly great performance in pretty decent sound.

July, 1970
Christa Ludwig, mezzo-soprano
Lorna Haywood, soprano
Blossom Music Shed

BTW, this performance took place while George Szell was in hospital fighting bone-marrow cancer. He died at the end of the month.

This performance is one of my Bernstein favorites as well.  The copy of it that I have sounds like it's an aircheck.  Is anyone aware of a decent-sounding transfer of this recording?  Mine came from Classic Video Rarities.

Wade

[barry guerrero]

Wade,

I don't know the source of the copy that an acquaintance made for me. He's asked me not to reveal him to others, and I've lost touch with him as it is. It does sound more than just OK.  Therefore, some searching around my prove fruitful.

Barry