No one, NO ONE, owned this repertoire like Leonard Bernstein. When it came to making a case for Copland or Gershwin, hands down Leonard Bernstein could do it better then anybody.
This Camden issue (though the picture above is from the original issue), highlights impressive accounts of An American in Paris and the Billy the Kid Suite dating from 1947 studio sessions for RCA. Because the RCA Victor orchestra is small, probably no more then 50 musicians , many details that are often buried in larger ensemble presentations, literally leap out of the score in these accounts. Bernstein's swagger, lilt, nervous energy and kinetic approach is in full display and these performances auger a bright future for the dynamic young Bernstein.
This is great music for a beautiful sunny day and, is a fitting reminder of a special, albeit highly individual, American legend.
