Even though he was widely celebrated as one of the most important American musicians of the twentieth century,
Leonard Bernstein has already become the subject of a critical reassessment and cautious revival in the early twenty first. This 2005 Naxos CD presents three of
Bernstein's appealing but underplayed and under-appreciated concert works, the tender Serenade for solo violin, strings, harp, and percussion, the melodramatic ballet Facsimile, and the comical Divertimento for orchestra, in idiomatic, polished, and richly expressive performances by
Marin Alsop and the
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Violinist
Philippe Quint's solo part in the Serenade is deeply felt, lyrical, and lustrous, and his ingratiating playing makes this performance easy to like from the start. The rhythmic verve and dramatically heightened lines and textures of Facsimile are classic elements of
Bernstein's theatrical style -- most notable in his Broadway musicals, but equally strong in his dance pieces. The wryly neo-Classical Divertimento is a fine example of
Bernstein's wit and vitality, as strong as ever in his later years, and possibly the most entertaining work on the program for its bright colors, stylistic variety, and immediately memorable melodies. Naxos' recording is clear, clean, and resonant.