This evening, with the smell of baking bread in my nose, I’m listening to one of my favorite conductors: Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), Wiener Philharmoniker, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F major.
I’ve experienced Maestro Bernstein’s leadership five other times previous to the Sixth, on…
Day 3. Rating: “Huzzah!”
Day 21. Rating: “Huzzah!”
Day 39. Rating: “Huzzah!”
Day 57. Rating: “Huzzah!”
Day 74. Rating: “Huzzah!”
Okay. So Leonard Bernstein has an unblemished record with me: Five “Huzzah!” ratings in a row.
What will it be tonight?
I’ll bet I can guess.
But let me listen first.
Beethoven wrote his symphonies in four parts (except for the Sixth, which is in five). The time breakdown of this particular one (Symphony No. 6 in F major), from this particular conductor (Bernstein, at age 59) and this particular orchestra (Wiener Philharmoniker), at this particular time in history (November, 1978) on this particular record label (Deutsche Grammophon) is as follows:
I. Allegro ma non troppo………………………………………..11:43
“Awakening of cheerful feelings upon arrival in the country”
II. Andante molto mosso………………………………………..13:29
“Scene by the brook”
III. Allegro…………………………………………………………………5:25
“Merry gathering of country folk”
IV. Allegro…………………………………………………………………..3:43
“Thunderstorm”
V. Allegretto………………………………………………………………10:18
“Shepherd’s song: Happy and thankful feelings after the storm”
Total running time: 43:58
My Rating:
Recording quality: 5 (crisp, clear, lots of top end, a bit of tape hiss, a few odd ambient noises here and there; otherwise, a typical Deutsche Grammophon recording)
Overall musicianship: 5 (responsive, energetic, inspired, passionate)
CD liner notes: 4 (intro by Bernstein, only one English essay – but a darn good one)
How does this make me feel: 5 (“Huzzah!”)
I have no idea why I like Bernstein’s performances so much. I’ve seen enough videos of him conducting and speaking to know that he is extremely charismatic and passionate. I think his obvious enthusiasm for the subject matter rubs off on his orchestras, and they respond in kind.
On top of the passion Maestro Bernstein brings to the table, there are the musicians and the recording engineers involved. The recordings on the DG label are universally known for being exceptional. The DG people know Classical music. Their recordings demonstrate that. And the orchestras are world class.
So, I was sucked into this recording from the first bars of Movement I. I liked how it was recorded, how it was played, I could picture in my mind Leonard Bernstein’s flamboyant conducting skills from the podium.
To that, I can imagine how he was bouncing on his heels, waiving his arms, playing air violin during the third movement (“Merry gathering of country folk”). That’s my second favorite movement, with the fourth movement (“Thunderstorm”) being my first favorite.
Again, this is a fun, light, remarkably engaging symphony.
And Leonard Bernstein and Wiener Philharmoniker perform it well.
Highly recommended.
Bernstein discussing Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony (1:19 seconds):
Bernstein discussing Beethoven’s Sixth and Seventh Symphony (8:59):