Customer Reviews

Bizet: Carmen and L' Arlesienne Suites

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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)!

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.

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!

Good performance, poor recording. Certain sections of the orchestra are barely audible. Bad mixing or bad placement of mikes. Can't fault the perfomers, but buy a different CD.

This amazing CD has both of my favorite Bizet suites, the Carmen and L'Arlesienne Suites I and II, performed by the New York Philharmonic with the great Leonard Bernstein, all for the low price of $7.98! What more could you ask for? This CD should be a part of every classical music CD collection, and would serve as a great gift to those new to classical music or Georges Bizet, as it is loved the world over. Amazon currently has some of the best classical music compilations on CD for under $10, so why not add a few to your collection and receive free shipping in the deal? I am considering buying a second one for when I've worn out my present copy, which often happens to my favorite CDs. Highly recommended for everyone!

The wonderful music of Bizet and Leonard Bernstein conducting - what a terrific recording. It is an older recording, but fantastic!I am so happy I found it!

Not every famous conductor is good with everything. This is certainly the case with Bernstein who excelled in French music, Sibelius, Dvorak, but not really with Beethoven and Brahms. This is one of the finest recordings of the two suits by Bizet, Carmen and l'Arlesienne. There are other good recordings, but Bernstein's reading and conducting is fascinating here. The sound is very good too. You may buy this CD and compare it with other recordings. Five stars.

I was already very familiar with the music, and this version of it is absolutely perfect!

I found this album to be everything that I expected it and more, thanks in part to the dynamic conducting of Bernstein. This is a classic recording. Sound quality very good.

I definitely prefer Carmen performed by only the orchestra (i.e., no singing), so looked specifically for that when deciding what to purchase. This is an excellent price for an excellent recording. Bernstein knew what he was doing! I actually lost this CD awhile ago, and liked it so much I went out to replace it with the exact same version. If you too like Carmen without the singing, I would highly recommend this album.