Customer Reviews

Latin American Fiesta (Bernstein Century)

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

 

 

The re-mastering of this CD is amazing, and these recordings deserved the technical wizardry. It's the kind of music Leonard Bernstein was at his most incredibly brilliant at...rhythmic, emotional, and full of energy.

His interpretation of Copland has always been known as the "definitive" one, and in these two pieces, you can see why. The next three selections are by Brazilian composers, the most well known being Villa-Lobos' "Bachiana Brasileira # 5", here sung so beautifully by Netania Davrath.

Silvestre Revueltas' "Sensemayá" is fabulous. Reminiscent of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" in parts, though 100 % Mexican in feeling. It throbs with vitality, and the intensity of its rhythms is astounding...it's also a hard act to follow, which is Carlos Chavez' lot here with his beautiful "Sinfonia India". This piece may take a few hearings to fully appreciate, as there's a lot going on in it, like complex counterpoint, etc.

In my student years, I found a way (not telling how !) to hear the N.Y. Philharmonic rehearse, and would sit in total awe of Maestro Lenny...his genius and his humanity. He was my first hero, and though I never met him, my "father figure". This CD just exudes his presence...it's a special treat for anyone who ever saw him "make music" in person, and experienced the magic of it.

With the exception of the Copland pieces, these are the works of Latin American composers looking for--and finding--their own voice within the tradition of 20th century orchestral music. Four pieces are particularly noteworthy: the justly beloved Bachianas Brasileiras #5 (superbly sung by Natania Devrath), the propulsive Batuque, Sensemaya (a Mesoamerican "Rite of Spring"), and Chavez' "Sinfonia India." This last is not "misplaced geographically" (contrary to an earlier, otherwise helpful review); Chavez, writing in 1936, used the word "Indian" to refer to the native inhabitants of Mexico. He wrote that he and his colleagues in Mexico had to "free ourselves from the stuffy conservatory tradition, the worst kind of academic stagnation. We have found ourselves by going back to the cultural traditions of the Indian racial stock that still accounts for four-fifths of the people."

When I was a lad I went to a Young People's Concert in Manhattan. Bernstein trotted onto the podium and launched into Batuque, followed by many of the works on this disc. This recording was made right at that time of this concert and captures its joy, its sense of exploration, its energy.

In addition to the review mentioned above, the recording of the Bachianas is the star here. Soprano Netania Davrath recorded this right after a performance with Bernstein in New York during one of her tours. This recording pops up in many anthologies which is great as that way it can be shared with more music lovers. Davrath is best known for her complete recording of Songs of the Auvergne on Vanguard. Enjoy Davrath along with these fine works from composers from south of the border. You will be glad you did.

Jaunty. Fanciful. Riveting. Mysterious. Ominous.

There's a very wide range of emotions embodied in "Latin American Fiesta", a first-rate tribute to five Latino composers (and one Gringo) represented within this excellent collection. Bernstein and the Philharmonic really lay into the pieces that call for it, so much so that you may glance over your shoulder during "Sensemaya". "Batuque" is commanding; "Dansa brasileira", playful and way too short. The last work, "Sinfonia India", is misplaced geographically (not by the composer's ethnicity), but it's a highly evocative journey into the Subcontinent* and a fitting capstone. But of all the performances, the one that I return to time and again is the Villa-Lobos, specifically for Netania Davrath's crystalline yet soulful performance.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable musical excursion.

*Please see commentary by another reviewer above - what I heard as the omnipresent, high-pitched train whistles of the Subcontinent apparently are otherwise.