Leonard Bernstein was one of the most colourful and multi-talented geniuses of the 20th century – as composer, conductor, pianist, writer and educator. On 14 October 2010 we commemorate the 20th anniversary of his death.

Bernstein captivated Broadway with such smash hits as On the Town and West Side Story. Here they are, with three other theatre works: the satirical operetta Candide, the full opera A Quiet Place; and the rare White House Cantata.

On this 7-CD set all five works are brought together for the first time. Of Bernstein’s major theatre works, only Wonderful Town is not included.

The accompanying booklet comes with new liner notes by David Gutman, and photos from the recording sessions / productions, plus evocative images of Bernstein from 1967.

Contents:
CD 1: On the Town
This effervescent musical stars Frederica von Stade, Tyne Daly, Marie McLaughlin and Thomas Hampson, with Cleo Laine as The Nightclub Singer. Conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas.

CD 2-3: Candide
The famous London recording from 1989, presenting the final revised version of the work, with Jerry Hadley as Candide, June Anderson as Cunegonde, Adolph Green as Dr Pangloss and Christa Ludwig as the Old Lady. Conducted by Bernstein.

CD 4: West Side Story
The celebrated, not to say controversial, recording from 1985 - Bernstein’s only recording of the work, with star singers Kiri Te Kanawa (Maria), José Carreras (Tony), Tatiana Troyanos (Anita) and Kurt Ollmann (Riff), plus Marilyn Horne singing “Somewhere”.

CD 5-6: A Quiet Place
Bernstein’s only complete full-length opera, a heart-rending family saga (incorporating Trouble in Tahiti from 1951), restored to the catalogue after many years. Conducted by Bernstein.

CD 7: A White House Cantata
Another rarity: the concert adaptation (made in 1998) of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the musical play produced by the collaboration of Alan Jay Lerner and Bernstein between 1972 and 1977 – a history of America and “the problems of housekeeping” in 80 minutes. Conducted by Kent Nagano.