Columbia Masterworks (CBS) MS 6175: Bernstein conducts Copland

Columbia Masterworks (CBS) MS 6175

Aaron Copland:

Four Dance Episodes from "Rodeo"

Billy the Kid

New York Philharmonic

Leonard Bernstein, conductor

Recorded May 2, 1960, Manhattan Center, New York City

Matrix numbers: XXSM50615-1AG / XXSM50616-2AH

Leonard Bernstein's CBS recording of Copland's Rodeo and Billy the Kid has long been considered one of the reference recordings (analog or digital) of these two works, the other analog one in my mind is that from Antal Dorati and the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra on Mercury. Bernstein clearly has a feel for this music, and these are really excellent performances by the New York Philharmonic. Even on this later "two-eye" pressing, the sonics match the quality of the performances. The sound is expansive and reverberant, and there are plenty of exciting dynamic moments.

This recording was well received in The Stereo Record Guide, Vol. 3 (1963), which gave it an enthusiastic three stars *** and a demonstration "D" (demonstration-worthy on first-class equipment), with the following comments:

"The Suite recorded by Bernstein from Billy the Kid is only part of the complete score but introduces sections from the following scenes: The open frontier; Street Scene and Rodeo; Card game; Billy's capture and Dance of his captors; Lament at Billy's death, ending with a return to the introductory music.

Both this and Rodeo are right up Bernstein's street and he makes the most of Copland's tart rhythmic pulse; everything glitters and glows spontaneously in his hands. Bernstein finds a depth of beauty too in the quiet lyrical music; he is clearly revelling in every bar and this inevitably affects the listener. The orchestral playing itself is splendid.

The recording is forward and precise, with a slight ambience; not as dry as the Mercury Rodeo it has in consequence a little more warmth, without losing the proper starkness of melodic outline. Highly recommended."

   

Whenever I hear the Hoe-Down from Rodeo, I can't help being reminded of the 1990s American television commercial promoting  beef consumption (launched by the National Livestock and Meat Board) with its slogan:  "Beef.  It's what's for dinner."

Excerpt from Rodeo, Buckaroo Holiday:

Excerpt from Rodeo, Hoe-Down: