Remembering JFK - 50th Anniversary Concert
Richard Dreyfuss, narrator
Tzimon Barto, piano
National Symphony Orchestra
Christoph Eschenbach
includes excerpts from the 1961 Inaugural Concert broadcast
Christoph Eschenbach\
Listen to samples on selected tracks.
This double CD release celebrates the memory of John F. Kennedy, and the 50th anniversary of his inauguration as U.S. President, by coupling new and historic recordings performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, D.C.
The first disc features Christoph Eschenbach conducting the January 2011 anniversary concert at the Kennedy Center. It includes the world premiere recording of one of the late Peter Lieberson's last works, Remembering JFK (An American Elegy), with famous actor Richard Dreyfuss narrating excerpts from speeches of President Kennedy. Also included are Bernstein's popular Symphonic Dances from ‘West Side Story'.
The second disc features excerpts from the previously unreleased 1961 Inaugural Concert, under the direction of then-Music Director Howard Mitchell, including radio commentary from the original broadcast. At the Kennedys' request, the Inaugural Program emphasized American composers, and the excerpts selected include John La Montaine's Overture From Sea to Shining Sea (commissioned by the NSO specifically for the Inaugural Concert) and the first movement from Randall Thompson's Testament of Freedom (with the Georgetown University Glee Club).
A special focus is on the music of George Gershwin: the 2011 recording features acclaimed pianist Tzimon Barto as soloist in the Concerto in F, while the 1961 broadcast includes Rhapsody in Blue with piano soloist Earl Wild.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary season, the NSO here presents is first recording under its new music director Christoph Eschenbach, as well as the opening of a recording partnership with Ondine. The NSO's first commercial recording in ten years was made possible in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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2 CDs; booklet with liner notes and the recited texts in English
Ein schönes Stück Zeitgeschichte, das auf diesen beiden CDs versammelt ist. Sowohl die erste Aufnahme von "Remembering JFK", als auch die Aufnahme des Konzertes von 1961 sind nicht nur historisch interessant, sondern auch musikalisch.
Maximilian Theisen, Klassik.com, 23.8.2011
Mr. Eschenbach and the orchestra somehow reached an entirely new plane of excellence during this performance (of Symphonic Dances from 'West Side Story'). (...) Mr. Eschenbach himself, though a European by birth, seemed somehow to be channeling Bernstein's quirky, jazzy personality right into the players themselves. It's an awesome, visceral performance. (...) Mr. Barto's playing is eccentric, and yet, paradoxically, challenging and fascinating.
Terry Ponick, The Washington Times, 2 June 2011
In dem uramerikanischen Repertoire von Bernstein und Gershwin fühlen sich die Musiker offenbar absolut zuhause. (...) Im "Concerto in F" von Gershwin zeigt [das NSO] sich klanglich noch flexibler und mit einem breiteren Farbspektrum. (...) Tzimon Barto ist der ideale Solist für dieses Projekt.
Friedericke Westerhaus, NDR Kultur, 1.6.2011
Richard Dreyfuss was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1947 and began his acting career at the Los Angeles Jewish Community Center when he was eight years old. He acted on television in shows such as Bewitched and The Big Valley and others for over a decade and worked in theater in Los Angeles from 1963. He started doing features in roles of size in the early '70s, such as American Graffiti, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, and Jaws. He won an Oscar in 1978 for his performance in The Goodbye Girl. He has been acting in American theater and films for 45 years.
Recognized as one of the foremost American pianists of his generation, Tzimon Barto has been giving exciting and highly acclaimed performances on both sides of the Atlantic. Born and raised in Florida, Tzimon Barto received his first piano lessons from his grandmother at the age of five, and later attended the Juilliard School of Music, studying piano with Adele Marcus. While at Juilliard he won the Gina Bachauer Competition two consecutive years in a row. Additionally, Tzimon Barto was a conducting fellow and coach for the American Opera Center. At the Tanglewood Institute, he received the "Most Outstanding Student Award", presented by Gunther Schuller for his achievements as a young conductor.
The National Symphony Orchestra regularly participates in events of national and international importance, including performances for state occasions, presidential inaugurations, and official holiday celebrations. Through its tours of four continents and performances for heads of state, the National Symphony also fills an important international role.
Robert Schumann
Tzimon Barto, piano · NDR Sinfonieorchester · Christoph Eschenbach, conductor and piano
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