1944 saw the premiere of the ballet Fancy Free, 25-year old Leonard Bernstein's first major composition as well as the first in a string of scores for the stage and film. In order to celebrate the centennial of Bernstein's birth in 1918, Christian Lindberg has gathered music from five different productions spanning a period of 13 years - from Fancy Free to the iconic musical West Side Story, premiered in 1957. The disc is bookended by the sparkling and witty Overture to Candide and Three Dance Episodes from the musical On the Town. Also included is the substantial Symphonic Suite from 'On the Waterfront', developed by Bernstein from the score he wrote for Elia Kazan's classic film. The drama of this tale of love and betrayal set amid the docks of Hoboken in New Jersey is brought out by Bernstein's music, which seethes with dramatic tension. Making it's first appearance on BIS in these flamboyant and life-enhancing scores, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra clearly relishes the opportunity to let it's collective hair down. The players are egged on by Lindberg, known for his ability to energize both orchestras and audiences.

Tracklist:

Candide: Overture (Live)
Symphonic Dances From West Side Story: No. 1, Prologue. Allegro Moderato (Live)
Symphonic Dances From West Side Story: No. 2, Somewhere. Adagio (Live)
Symphonic Dances From West Side Story: No. 3, Scherzo. Vivace Leggiero (Live)
Symphonic Dances From West Side Story: No. 4, Mambo. Meno Presto (Live)
Symphonic Dances From West Side Story: No. 5, Cha-Cha. Andantino Con Grazia (Live)
Symphonic Dances From West Side Story: No. 6, Meeting Scene. Meno Mosso (Live)
Symphonic Dances From West Side Story: No. 7, Cool - No. 8, Fugue. Allegretto (Live)
Symphonic Dances From West Side Story: No. 9, Rumble. Molto Allegro (Live)
Symphonic Dances From West Side Story: No. 10, Finale. Adagio (Live)
3 Dance Variations From Fancy Free: No. 1, Galop (Live)
3 Dance Variations From Fancy Free: No. 2, Waltz (Live)
3 Dance Variations From Fancy Free: No. 3, Danzon (Live)
On The Waterfront Suite: I. Andante (With Dignity) [Live]
On The Waterfront Suite: II. Adagio (Live)
On The Waterfront Suite: III. Andante Largamente (Live)
On The Waterfront Suite: IV. Moving Forward, With Warmth (Live)
On The Waterfront Suite: V. Allegro Non Troppo, Molto Marcato (Live)
On The Waterfront Suite: VI. A Tempo (Poco Più Sostenuto) [Live]
3 Dance Episodes From On The Town: No. 1, The Great Lover (Live)
3 Dance Episodes From On The Town: No. 2, Lonely Town. Pas De Deux (Live)
3 Dance Episodes From On The Town: No. 3, Times Square. 1944 (Live)

UPC: 7318599922782
Label: Bis
Release Date: 3.2.18
Format: CD

Mckinley/Elmer/Korneitchouk - On the Waterfront (CD)