William Walton/Leonard Bernstein - Belshazzar's Feast/Chichester Psalms/Missa Brevis (1989)

Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, recorded in Symphony Hall, Atlanta on April 25-26, 1988 & May 15, 1989.

I inherited this CD from my father and I'm guessing he bought it as a fan of Chichester Psalms. I'm not much of a listener of classical choral works, but Telarc was the premiere classical CD of the time and Shaw was the dean of choral conducting, so it makes sense that he chose this version. Let's see what the choral aficionados over at Amazon have to say about this one:

• "a magnificent performance of a too-often overlooked 1931 oratorio"
• "If you are looking for a top-notch recording of this Walton masterpiece, look no further than here."
• "Marvelous music, with the best choral director of the 20th century, Robert Shaw, and excellent Atlanta Symphony Orchestra."
• "this is truly the definitive edition"
• "A wonderful reproduction of an inspiring work."

So it's good stuff and well-recorded, just not in my wheelhouse.

1. Belshazzar's Feast by Sir William Walton is a cantata that premiered in 1931. I appreciate the energy brought to the performance and enjoy the bombastic brass throughout.
2. Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein (written in 1965), I like the first movement and the finale. He really had a thing for mixed meter.
3. Missa Brevis (brief mass) by Bernstein was written in 1988 for Shaw to mark Shaw's retirement from directing the Atlanta Symphony and Chorus. It turned out to be Bernstein's last complete choral work as he died in 1990. This CD contains the world premiere recording.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:

Leonard Bernstein's New York	On The Town, Fancy Free, On The Waterfront Suites
Leonard Bernstein Conducts West Side Story	1812 Overture/Capriccio Italien/Romeo & Juliet
Chichester Psalms, Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
New York Philharmonic Debut
On The Town - Studio Cast Recording