Leonard Bernstein: A Total Embrace -- The Composer

Disc 1
1	Chichester Psalms, for bo
2	Chichester Psalms, for bo
3	Chichester Psalms, for bo
4	Symphony No.1 ("Jeremiah"
5	Serenade (after Plato: Sy
6	Symphony No. 2 ("The Age
7	Symphony No. 2 ("The Age
8	I Hate Music, cycle of "5
9	La Bonne Cuisine: 4 recip
10	Prelude, Fugue & Riffs, f
11	Prelude, Fugue & Riffs, f
12	Prelude, Fugue & Riffs, f
13	Symphony No. 3 ("Kaddish"
14	On the Waterfront, sympho
Disc 2
1	On the Town, musical: Ope
2	On the Town, musical: "Lo
3	On the Town, musical: Dan
4	On the Town, musical: "So
5	On the Town, musical: Dan
6	Fancy Free, ballet: I. En
7	Fancy Free, ballet: IV. P
8	Fancy Free, ballet: VII.
9	Peter Pan, incidental mus
10	Wonderful Town, musical i
11	Wonderful Town, musical i
12	Wonderful Town, musical i
13	Wonderful Town, musical i
14	Wonderful Town, musical i
15	Candide, operetta in 2 ac
16	Candide, operetta in 2 ac
17	Candide, operetta in 2 ac
18	Candide, operetta in 2 ac
19	Candide, operetta in 2 ac
Disc 3
1	West Side Story, musical:
2	West Side Story, musical:
3	West Side Story, musical:
4	West Side Story, musical:
5	West Side Story, musical:
6	West Side Story, musical:
7	West Side Story, musical:
8	Dybbuk, ballet: Part III:
9	Facsimile, Choreographic
10	Trouble in Tahiti, opera
11	Mass, theatre piece for s
12	Mass, theatre piece for s
13	Mass, theatre piece for s
14	Mass, theatre piece for s
15	Mass, theatre piece for s
Leonard Bernstein: A Total Embrace -- The Composer
1.	Chichester Psalms, for boy soloist, chorus & orchestra 18:23
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, John-Paul Bogart, Camerata Singers, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
2.	Symphony No.1 ("Jeremiah"), for mezzo & orchestra: III. Lamentation 11:23
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Jennie Tourel, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
3.	Serenade (after Plato: Symposium), for violin, harp, percussion & strings; also for violin & piano: IV. Agathon (Adagio) 7:40
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Symphony of the Air, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
4.	Symphony No.2 ("The Age of Anxiety"), for piano & orchestra or 2 pianos: b. The Masque: Extremely Fast 4:36
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
5.	Symphony No.2 ("The Age of Anxiety"), for piano & orchestra or 2 pianos: c. The Epilogue: Adagio; Andante; Con Moto 8:10
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
6.	I Hate Music, cycle of "5 kid songs" for soprano & piano: IV. "A Big Indian and a Little Indian" Con Brio 0:46
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Jennie Tourel, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
7.	La Bonne Cuisine: 4 recipes, for voice & piano: IV. "Civet a Toute Vitesse (Rabbit at Top Speed)" 1:19
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Jennie Tourel, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
8.	Prelude, Fugue & Riffs, for clarinet & jazz ensemble 7:50
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
9.	Symphony No.3 ("Kaddish"), for soprano, speakers, choruses & orchestra; also for voices & piano: I. Invocation, Kaddish 1 8:28
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Camerata Singers, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Felicia Montealegre, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
10.	On the Waterfront, symphonic suite: Love Theme 5:39
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
11.	On the Town, musical: Opening: "New York, New York" 11:29
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, On the Town Orchestra, Chris Alexander, Philippe Entremont, Adolph Green, John Ostendorf, John Reardon, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, On the Town Cast Ensemble, Michael Kermoyan, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
12.	On the Town, musical: "Lonely Town"/Dance: Lonely Town 6:48
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, On the Town Orchestra, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, John Reardon, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
13.	On the Town, musical: Dance: Times Square 4:02
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, On the Town Orchestra, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
14.	On the Town, musical: "Some Other Time" 4:22
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, On the Town Orchestra, Chris Alexander, Betty Comden, Philippe Entremont, Adolph Green, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Walker, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
15.	On the Town, musical: Dance: The Real Coney Island 5:31
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, On the Town Orchestra, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, On the Town Cast Ensemble, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
16.	Fancy Free, ballet: I. Enter Three Sailors 2:53
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
17.	Fancy Free, ballet: IV. Pas de deux 3:23
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
18.	Fancy Free, ballet: VII. Finale 4:39
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
19.	Peter Pan (additional music by Rittman), incidental music: "The Pirate Song" 2:31
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, Boris Karloff, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Peter Pan Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
20.	Wonderful Town, musical in 2 acts: "Ohio" 2:57
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, Jacquelyn McKeever, John Ostendorf, Rosalind Russell, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Wonderful Town Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
21.	Wonderful Town, musical in 2 acts: " A Little Bit in Love (Never Felt This Way Before 1:40
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, Jacquelyn McKeever, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Wonderful Town Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
22.	Wonderful Town, musical in 2 acts: " A Quiet Girl" 2:25
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Sydney Chaplin, Wonderful Town Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
23.	Wonderful Town, musical in 2 acts: "Conga!" 3:27
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Rosalind Russell, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Wonderful Town Cast Ensemble, Wonderful Town Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
24.	Wonderful Town, musical in 2 acts: "Wrong Note Rag" 2:31
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, Jacquelyn McKeever, John Ostendorf, Rosalind Russell, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Wonderful Town Cast Ensemble, Wonderful Town Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
25.	Candide, operetta in 2 acts (original version, withdrawn): Overture 4:04
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Candide Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
26.	Candide, operetta in 2 acts (original version, withdrawn): "Best of All Possible Worlds" 3:26
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Max Adrian, Barbara Cook, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Robert Rounseville, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Candide Cast Ensemble, Candide Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
27.	Candide, operetta in 2 acts (original version, withdrawn): Mazurka 1:38
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Candide Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
28.	Candide, operetta in 2 acts (original version, withdrawn): "Glitter and Be Gay" 5:43
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Barbara Cook, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Candide Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
29.	Candide, operetta in 2 acts (original version, withdrawn): "Make Our Garden Grow" 4:15
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Candide Cast Ensemble, Candide Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
30.	West Side Story, musical: Prologue 3:55
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, West Side Story Cast Ensemble, West Side Story Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
31.	West Side Story, musical: The Dance at the Gym 3:03
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, West Side Story Cast Ensemble, West Side Story Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
32.	West Side Story, musical: "Maria" 2:40
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, Larry Kert, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, West Side Story Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
33.	West Side Story, musical: "Tonight" 3:55
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, West Side Story Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
34.	West Side Story, musical: "America" 4:35
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Marilyn Cooper, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Chita Rivera, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, West Side Story Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
35.	West Side Story, musical: "Cool" 4:01
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Mickey Calin, West Side Story Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
36.	West Side Story, musical: "Somewhere" (Ballet) 7:37
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, Reri Grist, Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, West Side Story Pit Orchestra, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
37.	Dybbuk, ballet: Part III: "The Community" 5:15
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, New York City Ballet Orchestra, John Ostendorf, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, David Wilson-Johnson, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
38.	Facsimile, Choreographic Essay (from the ballet), for orchestra: Part II: Allegretto 8:59
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
39.	Trouble in Tahiti (incorporated into opera "A Quiet Place"), opera in 1 act: Scene III/IIIa: "I was standing in a garden/Then d 7:25
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Columbia Wind Ensemble, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Julian Patrick, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
40.	Mass, theatre piece for singers, players & dancers: I. Devotions before Mass - Hymn and Psalm: "A Simp 4:43
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Berkshire Boy Choir, Norman Scribner Choir, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
41.	Mass, theatre piece for singers, players & dancers: V. Meditation No. 1 5:09
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Berkshire Boy Choir, Norman Scribner Choir, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
42.	Mass, theatre piece for singers, players & dancers: VI. Gloria 6:48
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Berkshire Boy Choir, Norman Scribner Choir, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
43.	Mass, theatre piece for singers, players & dancers: XIV. Sanctus: "Holy! Holy! Holy!" 5:24
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Berkshire Boy Choir, Norman Scribner Choir, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein
44.	Mass, theatre piece for singers, players & dancers: XVII Pax: Communion - Final Hymn (excerpt) 3:15
	Composed by Leonard Bernstein
	Performed by Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman, New York Philharmonic, Philippe Entremont, John Ostendorf, Isaac Stern, Nancy Williams, Berkshire Boy Choir, Norman Scribner Choir, Shark Girls, David Johnson, Chorus, The Orchestra, Ensemble and Joe Bogart
	Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Barnes & Noble

Leonard Bernstein is best known as the composer of West Side Story, one of the great masterpieces of the American musical theater. This three-CD set, focusing on the legendary conductor and soloist's original material, includes highlights from the first cast recording of West Side Story alongside excerpts from many of his other works, including his other Broadway shows (On the Town, Wonderful Town, and Candide); his ballet scores (Fancy Free, The Dybbuk, and Facsimile); the three symphonies; and other important works. Ideally, of course, one would want to have all these works in their complete form, but this condensed compilation demonstrates how the composer embraced so many different genres and styles. And, in fact, the set offers complete performances of two key pieces: Chichester Psalms and Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs, the latter featuring the legendary jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman. What's so striking here is how everything -- whether it's a movement of the Mass (composed to commemorate the opening of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.) or the love theme from the film score to On the Waterfront -- has Bernstein's inimitable stamp. Listen to just a few moments, and Lenny's personality shines right through. Andrew Farach-Colton

Barnes & Noble

Leonard Bernstein is best known as the composer of West Side Story, one of the great masterpieces of the American musical theater. This three-CD set, focusing on the legendary conductor and soloist's original material, includes highlights from the first cast recording of West Side Story alongside excerpts from many of his other works, including his other Broadway shows (On the Town, Wonderful Town, and Candide); his ballet scores (Fancy Free, The Dybbuk, and Facsimile); the three symphonies; and other important works. Ideally, of course, one would want to have all these works in their complete form, but this condensed compilation demonstrates how the composer embraced so many different genres and styles. And, in fact, the set offers complete performances of two key pieces: Chichester Psalms and Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs, the latter featuring the legendary jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman. What's so striking here is how everything -- whether it's a movement of the Mass (composed to commemorate the opening of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.) or the love theme from the film score to On the Waterfront -- has Bernstein's inimitable stamp. Listen to just a few moments, and Lenny's personality shines right through. Andrew Farach-Colton

All Music Guide

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was not only a brilliant conductor -- having served with the New York Philharmonic for several decades beginning in 1943 -- but was also recognized as one of the 20th century's most lauded composers. In that respect, few if any have contributed as significantly to classical music in the context of the American experience. It could likewise be contended that his contributions to the Broadway stage solidified the formerly intransigent chasm existing between symphonic and popular music. In honor of what would have been Bernstein's 85th birthday, Sony Music created a pair of mid-priced sets celebrating the maestro's accomplishments. A Total Embrace: The Composer (2003) offers more than three and a half hours of highlights spanning nearly a quarter-century. "The Pirate Song," featuring actor Boris Karloff and "the Pirates," is the earliest entry, dating back to the original Broadway cast recording of Peter Pan from 1950. The most recent inclusion is "The Community" from 1974's Facsimile, a "Choreographic Essay for Orchestra. The contents are divided by either "Concert Works" or "Theater Works," with the latter spread over two-thirds of the anthology. No compilation of Bernstein would be complete without copious excerpts from Candide (1956), West Side Story (1957), On the Town (1958), and Wonderful Town (1958). There is equal time devoted to his sacred works, such as the extremely controversial Mass theater piece for singers, players, and dancers, penned specifically for the opening ceremony of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., as well as "Kaddish Symphony No. 3," which is parenthetically dedicated "To the Beloved Memory of John F. Kennedy." One minor drawback is the lack of detail in the somewhat skimpy liner booklet. This is especially unfortunate as the primary audience for both this and the companion installment, A Total Embrace: The Conductor, is presumed to consist of novices, who would use these collections as seminal entrées into Bernstein's voluminous catalog. However, that should not discourage curious parties from adding either package to their libraries. Lindsay Planer

Seattle Times

The arrival of what would have been Bernstein's 85th birthday [in August 2003] is the excuse for two tasty collections of Bernstein, [The Conductor and The Composer].... While six CDs can't possibly do justice to the enormous output of this prolifically gifted mega-musician, these two sets offer a good cross section.... Great stuff. Melinda Bargreen