Leonard Bernstein: Elgar – Enigma Variations with the BBC Symphony Orchestra DVD

UPC: 5060244550988

Product Features

• Title: Leonard Bernstein Conducts Elgar's Enigma Variations
• Composer: Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
• Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
• Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra
• Recording Venue: Royal Festival Hall, London
• Recorded Date: 14 April 1982
• Bonus Features:Format: DVD, NTSC, All Regions
  • Rehearsal footage of Enigma Variations
  • Interview with Leonard Bernstein by Barry Norman
• Running Time: 65 minutes, 20 seconds
• Sound: LPCM Stereo
• Subtitles: French, German, Japanese (bonus content only)
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3, Color
• Label: ICA Classics
• Release Year: 2013

Overview

This ICA Classics Legacy DVD captures one of the rare occasions when the legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein worked with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall in London in 1982, this performance of Elgar's Enigma Variations is unique not only because it marks Bernstein’s only engagement with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, but also because it features his distinctive interpretation of Elgar’s masterpiece. Known for his passionate and deeply emotional style, Bernstein brings new depth to the Enigma Variations, revealing the hidden layers within Elgar’s celebrated work.

Included on the DVD is a rehearsal documentary that offers a behind-the-scenes look at Bernstein’s preparation for the performance, showcasing his attention to detail and insights into the music. Additionally, a bonus interview conducted by Barry Norman provides viewers with an intimate portrait of Bernstein, where he shares his thoughts on the recording process and his approach to conducting.

This release, part of the ICA Classics Legacy series, lovingly restores rare archival footage for modern audiences, making it an essential addition for classical music enthusiasts and fans of Leonard Bernstein.

Repertoire

• Edward Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma"

  • Recorded: Royal Festival Hall, London, 14 April 1982
  • Running Time: 39 minutes, 7 seconds

• Bonus Feature:

  • Rehearsal and Interview with Leonard Bernstein
  • Recorded at BBC Omnibus Studio, London, April 1982
  • Running Time: 25 minutes, 16 seconds

Interesting Facts

• This is the only time Leonard Bernstein conducted the BBC Symphony Orchestra, making this performance a unique historical document.
• Bernstein's interpretation of Elgar's Enigma Variations is noted for its emotional intensity and careful attention to the rich textures of Elgar’s orchestration.
• The rehearsal footage included in this release offers a rare glimpse into Bernstein’s working process, revealing how he communicated his vision to the orchestra.
• Elgar’s Enigma Variations, one of the composer’s most famous works, is a set of 14 variations on a theme, each variation being a musical portrait of one of Elgar’s friends.

Publishers

• Label: ICA Classics
• Production: Licensed courtesy of BBC Worldwide
• Produced by: International Classical Artists Ltd

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#LeonardBernstein #ElgarEnigmaVariations #BBCSymphonyOrchestra #ICADVD #ClassicalMusicDVD #BernsteinConducting #ElgarVariations #LivePerformanceDVD #HistoricalClassicalFootage