Bizet: Carmen and L' Arlesienne Suites

Georges Bizet (Composer), Leonard Bernstein (Conductor), New York Philharmonic (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: New York Philharmonic
• Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
• Composer: Georges Bizet
• Audio CD (October 28, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000029XF
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,370 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just Carmen, but L'Arlésienne as well!, December 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bizet: Carmen and L' Arlesienne Suites (Audio CD)

The Carmen suites and the L'Arlésienne suites are two most commonly paired pieces when it comes to Bizet's incidental music. As is expected, Carmen being the more popular work of the two, it is usually performed with more zeal and virtuosity. In comparison, on many occasions, the L'Arlésienne suites seem to be played at a much subdued level. Not so with this CD. Together, Bernstein and the NY Philharmonic made sure that the L'Arlésienne suites receive as much care as the their more popular counterparts. The second of the two L'Arlésienne suites, especially, is played with an amazing attention to details. The NY Philharmonic is appropriately delicate when needs to be (suite 2 mvt 3: Menuet), and it can also be powerful and lively (suite 2 mvt 4: Farandale). Definitely buy this CD, and not just for its two Carmen suites (which are, of course, first rate also)!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There is no finer version of Carmen to be had., June 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bizet: Carmen and L' Arlesienne Suites (Audio CD)

This is a truly splendid version of Carmen. Bernstein is at his best in this music and the NYPO play their hearts out for him. The music has great rythmic vitality as well as nuance. The sheer virtuosity of the playing coupled with the unerring interpretive skill at the podium makes this the performance to have. In the final number Bernstein and his players build to breathtaking speed without losing ensemble or clear articulation of the music. Simply the best.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bizet fan, February 16, 2000

By 

Jim Arsenault (Clayton, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bizet: Carmen and L' Arlesienne Suites (Audio CD)

I loved this cd for many reasons. It is a very powerful and moving recording that I feel truely unleashes the energy and depth of the movements. I am in an orchestra, and when we played this piece, I felt like I never had before about my instrument. It is a true gem that I am glad to suggest!