While "West Side Story" is Leonard Bernstein's most popular and often performed Opera, most veteran critics and even Bernstein himself regarded "Candide" as a superior achievement. Having reworked the piece throughout his life this Deutsche Grammophon recording presents Bernstein's final thoughts, and all who've treasured the longstanding Columbia (now Sony) original cast recording will find much to enjoy here as well. In 1991 when this set was first issued it won Stereo Review's record of the year as well as Best Classical Album at the Grammy awards. Unlike the cheaper (in terms of price and sound quality) more recent domestic reissue, this handsome slipcase production includes the full notes and texts. A must for every Bernstein enthusiast.
1) Overture
2) Westphalia Chorale
3) Life Is Happiness Indeed
4) Best of All Possible Worlds
5) Universal Good
6) Oh Happy We
7) It Must Be So (Candide's Meditation)
8) Westphalia
9) Battle Music
10) Candide's Lament
11) Dear Boy
12) Auto-Da-F (What a Day)
13) Candide Begins His Travels; It Must Be Me (2nd Meditation)
14) Paris Waltz
15) Glitter and Be Gay
16) You Were Dead You Know
17) I Am Easily Assimilated (Old Lady's Tango)
18) Quartet Finale
19) Universal Good
20) My Love
21) We Are Women
22) Pilgrim's Procession-Alleluia
23) Quiet
24) Introduction to Eldorado
25) Ballad of Eldorado
26) Words Words Words
27) Bon Voyage
28) Kings' Barcarolle
29) Money Money Money
30) What's the Use
31) Venice Gavotte
32) Nothing More Than This
33) Universal Good
34) Make Our Garden Grow