Leonard Bernstein: The Complete Music for Piano; Andrew Cooperstock, piano; BRIDGE 9485A/B
In celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s centenary (1918-2018), this recording features the composer’s complete solo piano works, plus, as special bonus, the witty and charming “Bridal Suite” for piano four-hands, heard here in its first complete recording. In addition to the better known “Anniversaries”, “Sonata for the Piano”, and “Touches”, Andrew Cooperstock has included Leonard Bernstein’s very first published work, the highly effective transcription of Aaron Copland’s orchestral tone poem “El Salón México”, together with the “Four Sabras”, “Non troppo presto”, and “Music for the Dance, No. II”. The recording encompasses music from the composer's teenage years through his last piano composition, “Touches”, and includes music Bernstein dedicated to friends and colleagues including Lukas Foss, Sergei Koussevitzky, William Schuman, William Kapell, and Stephen Sondheim. The distinguished pianist Andrew Cooperstock is Professor of Piano at the University of Colorado Boulder.
***
Reviews:
"Excellent performances...if there’s an essential “Leonard Bernstein at 100” album, this one, so far, is it. -The Arts Fuse (Boston)
"Andrew Cooperstock plays this music very well: the performance is technically assured, musically adventuresome, and bristling with conviction and commitment. Altogether, a lovely and important release." - American Record Guide
"Given that Bernstein did so many things on a grand scale and with theatrical flair, it's refreshing to hear how much care and imagination he lavished on music of intimiate personality for the instrument he played so splendidly. And these pieces are often intimate beyond the keyboard." - Gramophone
"Superbly played by Andrew Cooperstock and with Bridge's usual fine production standards this is a very fine collection of rarely heard works by one of the 20th century's key musical figures. Search online and you'll have trouble finding any alternative recordings, so invest with confidence and enjoy at leisure." - MusicWeb International
"In amongst this cornucopia of musical riches is a recent two-disc release from Bridge Records which brings together all of Bernstein's solo piano compositions, written from adolescence through his later years. This compelling mixture of personal and professional work leaves little doubt as to the vitality of Bernstein's creative legacy. An invaluable compilation that will be treasured by fans and students of Bernstein alike." - SCENE
Order from Amazon.com
Order from Arkivmusic.com
Order from iTunes
Order from H&B Direct by calling 1-800-222-6872
Seven Anniversaries
Four Anniversaries
Five Annversaries
Thirteen Anniversaries
Touches: Chorale, Eight Variations and Coda
Sonata for the Piano
Non Troppo Presto
Music for the Dance, No. II
Four Sabras
El Salón México (arr. Leonard Bernstein)
Bridal Suite in 2 Parts with 3 Encores
Andrew Cooperstock, piano
BRIDGE 9485A/B (two discs)