Customer Reviews

Leonard Bernstein: The Love of Three Orchestras [VHS]

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Hear Bernstein talk in detail about the biggest loves of his life - the New York , Vienna and Israel Philharmonic Orchestras. "There is a kind of closeness that can be developed with members of an orchestra; a love affair in which you and a body are breathing together, pulsing together, lifting and sinking together, perhaps I'm making this sound too lurid and sexual - it is sort of sexual, but it's with a hundred people." Filmed talking to Humphrey Burton, Bernstein recalls in his own inimitable way the reasons why these three orchestra's became his other "families". Illustrated with performances from the extensive Bernstein archive spanning four decades this excellent video also includes the rare chance to hear an excerpt of his stunning 1943 debut. A brilliant film that shows Bernstein at his very best - passionate, erudite and inspirational. Superb.

If you have any feeling for music or Leonard Bernstein (preferably both) you will love this tape. It is so moving. The bit where the Vienna Philarmonic get the absolutely right note in the Haydn symphony makes me cry every time. The look on Leonard Bernstein's face is worth buying this tape for. I highly recommend it.