For reasons best known only to themselves, Universal has decided to re-release this disc containing the two best performances available of Bernstein’s Serenade and Songfest (probably the masterpiece of his later years). The former, if memory serves, was last coupled to a two-disc set containing the three symphonies, while the latter was originally issued in tandem with Chichester Psalms. They were recoupled when DG put together its Bernstein Edition boxed set, then deleted shortly thereafter. Hopefully they’ll have a longer shelf-life this time around, and nothing more need be said except to note, once again, that the composer-led recordings remain the essential versions of both works. If you didn’t grab this a few years ago, here’s a rare second chance. [10/31/2000]
