academyofscorin... -- At our February 2018 Ravel meeting, we take a look at one of Leonard Bernstein's most enduring orchestral works, his Overture to Candide. This video features a superimposed piano reduction of the full score.
LOVE THIS! I've never bought the score, and this answered a lot of my questions about the rhythmical scheme. Interesting that later in life, Maestro Bernstein actually took it a hair slower, which arguably brings out certain details. Thank you for posting.
Absolutely correct playing, no mistake made. In fact, they play the penultimate pianissimo chord "pianississimo", following the conductor (= composer) exactly in a final humorous effect. There were always the myths that the musicians didn't like him and strove to spite him, but that is not borne out by their extant performances, where they did their best to fulfill his vision. As for the fast tempo: this was a live television broadcast, so Bernstein knew exactly the time he had left and conducted so as to fit the time slot.
In this recording, they play around minum/half note = 158BPM, which is not too far from the marked 152BPM. I understand there are many recordings that play this masterpiece slower, however I personally think the faster tempo in this recording gives it even more energy and momentum. But in the end, music is subjective and each conductor will have their own interpretation, so there is not necessarily a “correct” tempo. Let’s just enjoy what makes each performance unique. Thanks for sharing your opinion, though!
