@@moviesontheweb lucky guy... many of conductors never get to perform this since it's an expensive production due to large ensemble required to perform!
It is beyond me how anyone thinks up such music and is able to notate it in such a way that orchestra musicians are able to read it and play it in a coherent manner. I am in awe of the composer and of the musicians who perform it.
Back when albums had liner notes, we were treated to the thoughts of the composer. Stravinsky wrote at length about this piece and how it came about, concluding, "I am the vessel through which Le Sacre flowed." Whew
Hearing something in your head like this shows a complex and imaginative mind. Being able to transcribe it...that takes patience, tenacity and abilities few mortals possess.
@@lucyfoster4082 I just now saw your comment concerning The Rite of Spring. It helps a great to know that the eighth notes stay constant throughout. Thank you.
I think I can conduct things like the Planets without a score, it's just so ingrained in my brain, but RITE OF SPRING? Impossible how did he manage? At least the planets goes four-five minutes with the same meter, but Stravinsky changes the meter every bar! And not just ismple things like 4/4 to 2/4 to 5/4, he goes 2/4 to 7/4 to 3/16 to 2/16 to 3/4. It's just wow.
It's music, the most easy thing in the world to remember, no matter how long the piece, so having no score is not that impressive. Bernstein's genius, in my opinion, was not in his conducting, but in explaining what music is and what it does for human beings in the most clear, detailed, and intelligent way I've ever heard.
@@DannyintheSpiritI see your point, but The Rite of Spring is certainly not the easiest thing to remember in the world lol Bernstein is definitely impressive for this feat.
I never watched till the very end-the second curtain call he asks the orchestra to stand but they remain seated to applause _him._ What a great moment.
Unbelievable. This version is quite a bit faster than what was originally scored by Stravinsky, and much heavier. Notably, there are no lilting strings in the Rounds, no gentleness in the transitions, nor is there any slowing or holding back in the final pieces of the Sacrifice. These things are not something that I've seen in almost any other performance. It's amazing how each orchestra manages to conduct the score uniquely while remaining loyal to the original material. And speaking of conducting, this conductor has stolen my heart with the amount of raw energy and emotion he seems to be throwing into his role. His eyes are so expressive, and towards the end he gives a look that can't exactly be described, but reminds me of a runner watching the finish line come closer and closer. Pride, fear, and excitement all at once. He moves with the music, sways with it, leaps with it at times. He looks as if he is slowly becoming overtaken by the score, and is only snapped out of it by the applause from the audience. He doesn't even have use for sheet music, which for something as complex as Stravinsky, is just extraordinary. I can't fully describe the level of thought, joy, and inspiration that this brings to my mind.
The concertmeister refuses Bernstein's request for the orchestra to stand for the 2nd time, to give more solo applause to Bernstein for another 30 seconds or so. An expression of love and respect.
When Diaghilev listened the rehearsal for the first time he stopped it and asked to Stravinsky "Is this noise going to last long?" and Stravinsky replied "Yes, until the end".
This is the most exciting music ever. 61 years ago, as a 12 year old, on a school visit to a Leeds Town Hall concert, being asked to leave the auditorium because I was so enthralled with this music that I couldn't keep still. I'm still the same every time I hear Rite. Bernstein's interpretation is one of the best I've heard, as he stays faithful to the beat and rhythm which some conductors don't.
I was a Leeds Parish Church Chorister under Donald Hunt. Sang regularly with LSO, Royal Liverpool SO, and Chorus, Leeds & Liverpool Philharmonic Chorus. Best wishes, Robert Denton, (LPC 1963 - 1971).
Bernstein's passion was ferocious. He always brought something unique to the table. You can tell he gave his all with every performance. An immaculate craftsman, educator, composer, and conductor. We shall never see his like again.
He was an absolute genius conductor. There's been some great conductors, especially in his era, but the amount of them that were at his level of genius is a very small number.
I'm sorry but, despite being Bernstein's first fan ... here the genius, the miracle is the composer, Mr. Stravinsky. And I'm sure Berny would agree with me.
A stupendous performance- Bernstein was remarkable, and the orchestra was excellent. And to think that this music is 106 years old. thank you for posting.
It's an extraordinary work, one of the 3-greatest of the past century. Yet, it's progressions, I think might be the type that can LEND-themselves to a conductor's memory! Lenny & Pierre Boulez had some of the BEST interpretations, of modern days ... but I would recommend a savage-sounding (with questionable acoustics) one from 1929 - by Pierre Monteux. THAT is one that stands the test of time, even now.
Part I (Adoration of the Earth) 1. Introduction 0:48 2. The Augurs of Spring 3:59 3. Ritual of Abduction 7:15 4. Spring Rounds 8:55 5. Ritual of the Rival Tribes 11:56 6. Procession of the Sage 13:39 7. Dance of the Earth 14:42 Part II (The Sacrifice) 1. Introduction 16:29 2. Mystic Circle of the Young Girls 21:21 3. Glorification of the Chosen One 24:26 4. Evocation of the Ancestors 25:59 5. Ritual Action of the Ancestors 26:48 6. Sacrificial Dance: The Chosen One 30:01
By 33:46, Bernstein is just completely enveloped by the music. It's just the most incredible thing I have seen. He doesn't even look like he is of this realm in those moments, as if the higher power of music has just consumed him. I would love to get a glimpse into his head then. I can't imagine what is in his mind.
I completely get what he is experiencing. Rite is my favorite piece. This ending moment is pure chaos and insanity. The music just takes you and like an intense roller coaster, you are at its mercy. I play cello, I one day hope to play this, as the effect is 1000x greater when the music is controlling you. The orchestra just playing their hearts out. Id be so happy and into it I kight start flying!
@@nickdavis965 I hope you get to perform it one day! I play bass trombone myself, it would be so wonderful to play that. It is the best feeling to be enveloped by the music. I certainly miss an ensemble setting!
Like a cat, Lenny knew how beautiful he was. But he also knew that you SERVE music, that you live to serve it, that you are merely a vessel and had better not forget it.
Best interpretation ever. Gotta love how it's so complex he has to use his entire body down to the hips to fully conduct it. The orchestra is one made up of players each a seasoned master on their respective instrument making for an impeccable ensemble.
What a performance! I loved every second. I've performed it and it's unbelievability difficult but enormously rewarding. I can't imagine how much fun it would be to play this in the LSO with Bernstein conducting here!
Talk about a Master Class in Conducting?!! Amazing how disciplined his baton was, never missed a single beat. That made life much easier for the musicians, no doubt where the downbeat was. Bernstein was a genius--and from memory!
When I was about 10 years old ( Now 85 ) I saw Walt Disney's Fantasia for the first time and I have been in love with all of Stravinsky's work ever since. Leonard Bernstein , I think , did the best interpretation of The Rite of Spring EVER!!
Leonard Bernstein! You can hear echoes of this (and Copland) in West Side Story! ;O) The guy was amazing. I was privileged to watch all of his Harvard Lectures one time over a series of days on T.V. Well worth checking out.
The Rattle video with the LSO from 2017 makes an interesting comparison and puts Lenny in fantastic light. There is a depth of savagery and expressiveness here that Simon can't fathom.
The first time I heard this I was on acid. You never really come back from that. A part of me is still inside of the grooves of a 33 lp, racing in tempo and never really knowing if I am pursuer or pursued.
It's truly amazing but I can't decide if Bernstein is sacrificing himself to Stravinsky's score or the orchestral players are sacrificing themselves to Bernstein... :)
He escuchado muchas versiones de esta maravillosa y excepcional obra musical y considero que ésta, la dirigida por Leonard Bernstein es la mejor interpretación.
To all! While reading your comments here I'm happy to say that they are giving me a lot. This performance belongs to the ones that if one could choose a moment to live this would be a choice forever. Thank you profoundly for your great comments!
So clear in rhythmic precision and accurate playing! Exciting and colorful music, with Leonard Betnstein at the top of his game and creative ingenuity!
What the hell is going on with the ads?? I've noticed recently YTube is now putting ads in EVERYTHING, including many classical music vids that previously were ad-free. The ads are bad enough, but randomly shoving them in, instead of between movements, is UNCONSCIONABLE!!
So very true! It's like a viral infection gone wild! It is so sad! You watch videos that are very interesting and out of nowhere a b.s. commercial pops up PLUS they have doubled down where there are TWO COMMERCIALS IN A ROW! It is so annoying!!!! TH-cams greed for more profits is driving a wonderful medium into the ground!
What's going on with the ads? Inflation, that's what. Inflation comes from gubmint, by force. Can't blame You Tube for seeking more AD revenue to pay for it. I would, if I were You Tube, until I decide to complain to the gubmint 'bout it.
Always liked „Le sacre“ a lot, but after hearing and watching this performance of Mr Bernstein and the LSO I can truly admit no other piece of music fills my soul as “Le sacre du printemps“ does. More moving and breathtaking isn’t possible! This performance is a reason to be.
I am completely mesmerized by each and every note, each and every rhythm. Also love the original choreography. If I had been there in 1913, I would applause this no doubt.
America’s greatest, absolutely greatest musical genius Leonard Bernstein. To conduct this from memory queuing every single instrument all the while being very descriptive in body language and beat how he wants the phrase to turn. Truly amazing. And I’ve played this piece with some of the best.
Not only was Bernstein the quintessential conductor of the 20th century, but he could transmit the emotions of any great work of music from his soul through his conducting with all of his body and expressions in a way that for the performer was entirely safe and comforting, no matter how difficult or unusual it might seem. The respect this fosters in the performers for their leader nurtures absolute resonance of his musical vision and intuition to the audience listening. It is palpable and unmistakeable. And all the more remarkable is that "Lenny" did it from total memory, no score in front of him and nary a missed beat or note for nearly 40 minutes! Notice at the applause when he returns to the podium and asks the orchestra members to rise for their recognition - they refuse! Stay seated! And refuse again! Their respect for him was so extreme in that moment they absolutely wanted the kudos to be his and his alone even if only for the fact he got them all there safely to the end not to mention the music he shared. Eventually they stand to take their share of the praise from the audience, but rarely have I seen such absolute cherishing respect for a leader in battle as this; they were literally humbled by Leonard's kindly yet staunch leadership and musicianship. Stravinsky's music shines in this video beyond the decades. What a treasure they both were to all of us.
@@SouloftheTroll Yes, I know. But they can't both be the quintessential 20th century conductor. Toscanini was not an American. He was an Italian, greater and more enduring....
Listening to this piece for the first time in 40 years. I cannot believe how fresh it still sounds - and I still seem to remember every note. A masterpiece performed by a top conductor and a top orchestra
32:52 is like he is holding this enormous weight in his hand, and then he releases it and the orchestra erupts into that cataclysm of sound that epitomises every noteworthy rhythmic and harmonic aspect of this piece, fucking brilliant
Bravo!! Bravi!! Maestro Bernstein sets the bar very high. Its as if he is having an out of body experience. Maestro Dudamel (LA Phil) said that Bernstein is his hero. If this piece was played in NYC, with this ferocity, they would have given him a rousing standing ovation and multiple curtain calls. This was an epic performance.
It certainly was Marge - I was at the concert in 1966. Unlike the Proms, the Fairfield Halls Croydon audience were not noted for raising the roof but I think we were all utterly drained at the end of the performance.
Rite of Spring is one of the top ten classical compositions of all time, and Bernstein's rendition is superb. Just Enjoy because classical music is the best.
I've always loved this music since I was a child and went to see the original Fantasia. My brother and I wanted to hear the rest of each of the symphonies and we'd replay them over and over again. Both Stravinsky and Bernstein were still alive and working when I was growing up but I never actually saw them perform themselves. That would have been amazing! Thank you to all of the musicians who have kept my heart, soul, mind, body happy all these years.
Stravinsky is the perfect balance of atonal and tonal music. I can't stand Schoenberg, etc, But Stravinsky is amazing to me, even having been a Baroque oriented organist since my teens.
It's not just that. Stravinsky was a genius at making best use of the characteristics of each type of orchestral instrument. He made use of an orchestra like a surgeon uses a scalpel.
As an oboist that is about to play this piece with an orchestra next month, I can tell you that Bernstein's qualities that would be most appreciated by the orchestra are the clarity of his baton work, the perfectly timed cues to various members with hand, head, eyes. The number one thing for the conductor is to keep this wild beast TOGETHER! The orchestra members have the added burden of actually producing the notes, besides keeping track of tempo and meter changes. Most orchestral musicians of this caliber already have the passion and artistry that brings a piece of music to life. They just need a solid leader on the podium, and Bernstein provides.
While recent performances and recordings of the Rite of Spring have become more precise, I think that the energy and character of this performance wins! Stravinsky twice published side-by-side spreadsheet critiques of many recordings (including his own and Bernstein's first NYPO recording) made in the years before this performance, and it seems to me that Bernstein considered Stravinsky's thoughts about the pitfalls these earlier readings before bettering them all. Wow!
Stravinsky's critique reviewed recordings by Robert Craft, Pierre Boulez and Herbert von Karajan, not the one by Bernstein. All three were found wanting. Likely Craft himself wrote at least some of the critique.
@@Twentythousandlps Bravo! Facts, hearing, and taste are often wanting in TH-cam comments. I remembered "Craft" (using the Russian alphabet) and Karajan but could not recall Boulez and was about to look it up when I read your comment.
I can only imagine the impact this piece had when it was presented to the public for the first time. It must have been like an bomb going off, taking music to a place it had never been before. And for the record, this performance should have gotten a standing ovation.
I love that Stravinsky often used traditional folk sounding phrases in his music. Such inspiration watching such legend orchestrating this complex music.
One of the greatest pieces of conducting that I have ever seen, or am ever likely to see. The reaction from the orchestra is heartfelt. They knew they were an integral part of something very special.
10:38 Leonard Bernstein. The only person that's ever gotten that to sound so amazing. Most people have a very short transition on the notes, while this and the 1958 NYP performances keep it perfect in length. This is my opinion, but if you could defer me to another performance with trombones like this, please do.
Spieler Subliminals I totally agree. I love Bernstein’s conducting of this composition. He nailed it. I first heard Rite of Spring in Fantasia. I never liked Stowkoski’s version once I heard other performances.
Vintage London Symphony Orchestra (broadcast on BBC1, 22 January 1967?), much augmented, at the Fairfield Halls Croydon. Very musical, as well as exciting, performance, where Bernstein really shapes the music and shows the instrumental structure. It's not just very loud and very fast as in so many performances. If you watch what he does, and listen to what's happening as he does it, then the score is really illuminated. Probably the result of not having the printed music between conductor and orchestra. In the orchestra: Leader John Georgiadis; 2nd violins led by Neville Marriner; Stuart Knussen (father of Ollie), principal double bass; Gervase de Peyer, clarinet; Barry Tuckwell in the horns, Roger Lord, oboe and Michael Winfield, cor anglais; Kurt Goedicke and Ray Northcott, timpani; Jimmie Holland, principal percussion. A virtuoso team of superb players.
I remember the original transmission but was able to check the dates via the BBC Genome site, which effectively indexes the Radio Times historically. As for members of the orchestra, I am able to identify them through personal knowledge and attendance at concerts for 55+ years. As for the comments on conducting: I'm a former professional singer (now freelance writer) who also studied conducting, and an inveterate 'conductor watcher'! Hope this answers your questions.
i listened to 3 recordings of this ,,,and i have to say,,,LB is the most musical one,, ,,he takes the end alittle slower,,, ,,also maybe its the recording but in others the very soft muted trumpet duet this is only recording i could actually hear the trumpets,,, ,,,also has anyone noticed some of LB West Side Story has some little bits of this piece? ,,,,this is a 20th century top 10 classical pieces ,, ,,,and LB is one of Americas greatest all time musical geniuses
This is amazing. Bernstein knows every note of every player. He is worth the price of admission alone. I'm guessing by the pictures below, he is conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. It is unfortunate for all the commercial interruptions.
I play guitar in an extreme tech metal band and yes we are all tattooed in the band :P and YES! I know exactly what are you talking about! Rite is the most extreme and murderous musical piece ever period! .-
M B This is the revelation of truth, and guys with neck tattoos and nose rings are strong, but they can't handle the truth. This particular truth is too scary for them.
That was extraordinary. I came here after listening to YES, Close to the Edge, where one of the commentors mentioned how it reminded him of this Symphony. To watch Mr. Bernstein conduct with no score was also extraordinary. I shall never forget this.
Not even two minutes into the piece and I’m awestruck by how masterful Mr. Bernstein is. Also, he was so humbled by the applause from the audience but was trying to recognize the orchestra by getting them to stand.
No score! Bernstein conducting from memory, an amazing performance!.
That's what blows my mind ... you know, Beethoven 5 w/o a score, OK. But this! Phenomenal!
@@robkb4559 He's done it a hundred times.
and TOTAL control!!!!!!
@@moviesontheweb lucky guy... many of conductors never get to perform this since it's an expensive production due to large ensemble required to perform!
It’s really impossible to read this score... if you want to perform you have to know by heart and HE DID IT! 😍
It is beyond me how anyone thinks up such music and is able to notate it in such a way that orchestra musicians are able to read it and play it in a coherent manner. I am in awe of the composer and of the musicians who perform it.
Back when albums had liner notes, we were treated to the thoughts of the composer. Stravinsky wrote at length about this piece and how it came about, concluding, "I am the vessel through which Le Sacre flowed." Whew
Hearing something in your head like this shows a complex and imaginative mind. Being able to transcribe it...that takes patience, tenacity and abilities few mortals possess.
karlakor The eighth notes stay constant through the meter changes, thank goodness.
Trust me, it's not an easy score to follow by the performers, either.
It's a combination o skill, instinct, and learning it by ear.
@@lucyfoster4082 I just now saw your comment concerning The Rite of Spring. It helps a great to know that the eighth notes stay constant throughout. Thank you.
Bernstein conducting Stravinsky, The Rite...and NO SCORE? A purely masterful genius.
I think I can conduct things like the Planets without a score, it's just so ingrained in my brain, but RITE OF SPRING? Impossible how did he manage? At least the planets goes four-five minutes with the same meter, but Stravinsky changes the meter every bar! And not just ismple things like 4/4 to 2/4 to 5/4, he goes 2/4 to 7/4 to 3/16 to 2/16 to 3/4. It's just wow.
Notice how he uses his hips when things get polyrhithmic😅
It's music, the most easy thing in the world to remember, no matter how long the piece, so having no score is not that impressive. Bernstein's genius, in my opinion, was not in his conducting, but in explaining what music is and what it does for human beings in the most clear, detailed, and intelligent way I've ever heard.
@@DannyintheSpiritI see your point, but The Rite of Spring is certainly not the easiest thing to remember in the world lol Bernstein is definitely impressive for this feat.
@@DannyintheSpiritwell put!
I never watched till the very end-the second curtain call he asks the orchestra to stand but they remain seated to applause _him._ What a great moment.
It really was Joseph - I was there (Fairfield Halls Croydon 1966)
@@geoffmarchant You are blessed.
i bet they coordinated that on group chat...
I can hear bits and pieces of so many contemporary movie scores in this. Rite of Spring must have been a huge influence on 20th century composers.
Herbie Hancock's fave piece of music
Including West Side Story
16:33
Star Wars: A New Hope. Track 4, "The Desert and the Robot Auction".
Jaws!!
RIGHT?!?!?! I hear John Williams, James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith, and Danny Elfman...just to name a few. AMAZING!!!
Unbelievable. This version is quite a bit faster than what was originally scored by Stravinsky, and much heavier. Notably, there are no lilting strings in the Rounds, no gentleness in the transitions, nor is there any slowing or holding back in the final pieces of the Sacrifice. These things are not something that I've seen in almost any other performance. It's amazing how each orchestra manages to conduct the score uniquely while remaining loyal to the original material. And speaking of conducting, this conductor has stolen my heart with the amount of raw energy and emotion he seems to be throwing into his role. His eyes are so expressive, and towards the end he gives a look that can't exactly be described, but reminds me of a runner watching the finish line come closer and closer. Pride, fear, and excitement all at once. He moves with the music, sways with it, leaps with it at times. He looks as if he is slowly becoming overtaken by the score, and is only snapped out of it by the applause from the audience. He doesn't even have use for sheet music, which for something as complex as Stravinsky, is just extraordinary. I can't fully describe the level of thought, joy, and inspiration that this brings to my mind.
Lenny at his best.
The concertmeister refuses Bernstein's request for the orchestra to stand for the 2nd time, to give more solo applause to Bernstein for another 30 seconds or so. An expression of love and respect.
It was 52 years ago but imo didn't look good . Lennie asked him 7 times and he should have obliged . Lennie was correct it wasn't all about him .
The orchestra wasn't giving him obligatory applause. It was heartfelt.
Thank you for this detail. Beautiful.
It says something about Bernstein's real character when the orchestra shows such a genuine respect like so....
Class act.
When Diaghilev listened the rehearsal for the first time he stopped it and asked to Stravinsky "Is this noise going to last long?" and Stravinsky replied "Yes, until the end".
This is the most exciting music ever. 61 years ago, as a 12 year old, on a school visit to a Leeds Town Hall concert, being asked to leave the auditorium because I was so enthralled with this music that I couldn't keep still. I'm still the same every time I hear Rite. Bernstein's interpretation is one of the best I've heard, as he stays faithful to the beat and rhythm which some conductors don't.
Have you heard sir simon rattle and the lso? Wow, just as epic as leonards.
I was a Leeds Parish Church Chorister under Donald Hunt. Sang regularly with LSO, Royal Liverpool SO, and Chorus, Leeds & Liverpool Philharmonic Chorus. Best wishes, Robert Denton, (LPC 1963 - 1971).
So this live is from 1960?
My sympathies to your 12yr old self.
I believe it is 1966, reported by a commenter above who was in attendance.
Bernstein's passion was ferocious. He always brought something unique to the table. You can tell he gave his all with every performance. An immaculate craftsman, educator, composer, and conductor. We shall never see his like again.
He was an absolute genius conductor. There's been some great conductors, especially in his era, but the amount of them that were at his level of genius is a very small number.
Great judgement!!!
Passion . . . . Performance . . . ? Please Wing, look around, at least a little bit before you declare the name of Judea's King.
Leonard was a living miracle, a man, a unique artist, right now that we need men like him: his memory will always be with us!
Vous avez tout à fait raison, je crois que c'est son humanité profonde qui transcende tout ce qu'il fait.
I'm sorry but, despite being Bernstein's first fan ... here the genius, the miracle is the composer, Mr. Stravinsky. And I'm sure Berny would agree with me.
Yes, he was absolutely a genius!
A stupendous performance- Bernstein was remarkable, and the orchestra was excellent. And to think that this music is 106 years old. thank you for posting.
Amazing work, so complex, and yet Bernstein conducts FROM MEMORY!!!
It's an extraordinary work, one of the 3-greatest of the past century. Yet, it's progressions, I think might be the type that can LEND-themselves to a conductor's memory! Lenny & Pierre Boulez had some of the BEST interpretations, of modern days ... but I would recommend a savage-sounding (with questionable acoustics) one from 1929 - by Pierre Monteux. THAT is one that stands the test of time, even now.
@@jhb134 Thank you very much for recommendations :) Pierre Mounteux's interpretation is really raw and savage.
@@valdassteponaitis6133 - You're welcome! ... (raw and savage) - yes, as befits the subject matter!
Bernstein is so enthralling to watch..he committs 100% to every performance
thank God we have many videos of his conducting
And hopefully we will have many more conductors following his footsteps! :)
He looks as if he is channeling the sacrificial dancer at the end.
Part I (Adoration of the Earth)
1. Introduction
0:48
2. The Augurs of Spring
3:59
3. Ritual of Abduction
7:15
4. Spring Rounds
8:55
5. Ritual of the Rival Tribes
11:56
6. Procession of the Sage
13:39
7. Dance of the Earth
14:42
Part II (The Sacrifice)
1. Introduction 16:29
2. Mystic Circle of the Young Girls
21:21
3. Glorification of the Chosen One
24:26
4. Evocation of the Ancestors
25:59
5. Ritual Action of the Ancestors
26:48
6. Sacrificial Dance: The Chosen One 30:01
Thanks
Your work is much appreciated!
Thank you so much I was searching for this
Orgies with everyone accept the chosen sacririfce
🦝
Words are inadequate. Inspiration, genius, teamwork, talent ....
By 33:46, Bernstein is just completely enveloped by the music. It's just the most incredible thing I have seen. He doesn't even look like he is of this realm in those moments, as if the higher power of music has just consumed him. I would love to get a glimpse into his head then. I can't imagine what is in his mind.
I completely get what he is experiencing. Rite is my favorite piece. This ending moment is pure chaos and insanity. The music just takes you and like an intense roller coaster, you are at its mercy. I play cello, I one day hope to play this, as the effect is 1000x greater when the music is controlling you. The orchestra just playing their hearts out. Id be so happy and into it I kight start flying!
@@nickdavis965 I hope you get to perform it one day! I play bass trombone myself, it would be so wonderful to play that. It is the best feeling to be enveloped by the music. I certainly miss an ensemble setting!
@@sireofzelda same here! I play trumpet its amazing when you get moments like that, especially in the middle of such a loud, powerful section haha
One of the best performances of the “Rite of Spring” ever !
If only there were no TH-cam ads !
No conductors score and he gives us this. Remarkable
How something so melodic can also be so dissonant is amazing
What conducting! What musicianship! The most influential piece of the 20th century!
Look how happy he is conducting this iconic piece, all the joy is clearly pouring in the orchestra
He looks so well put together before the performance starts. Then 34:11 happens. That's what this piece does to you.
very funny!
Like a cat, Lenny knew how beautiful he was. But he also knew that you SERVE music, that you live to serve it, that you are merely a vessel and had better not forget it.
The best thing about this performance is Lenny making the LSO play like demons possessed.
This is the best performance of this that I've ever heard.
Charles McHugh This is beautiful I recommend Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Fran symphony or Simon rattle (I think Berlin)
I also recommend Yoel Levi's peformance with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
@@gabenichols1432 I like Michael Tilson Thomas' but not fan of the Simon Rattle version.
Great to hear. Great to watch. The total package!
Best interpretation ever.
Gotta love how it's so complex he has to use his entire body down to the hips to fully conduct it.
The orchestra is one made up of players each a seasoned master on their respective instrument making for an impeccable ensemble.
What a performance! I loved every second. I've performed it and it's unbelievability difficult but enormously rewarding. I can't imagine how much fun it would be to play this in the LSO with Bernstein conducting here!
At the end, when he returns and start to ask the orchestra to receive the cheers with him you can see the great man he was
So he was a great man for asking the orchestra, i.e. the people actually playing the music, to receive the cheers alongside him??
Sergio Ortiz yeah why not
Talk about a Master Class in Conducting?!! Amazing how disciplined his baton was, never missed a single beat. That made life much easier for the musicians, no doubt where the downbeat was. Bernstein was a genius--and from memory!
In this video, Bernstein is the only conductor who approaches the metronome marking of 168 per quarter in the Dance of the Earth.
When I was about 10 years old ( Now 85 ) I saw Walt Disney's Fantasia for the first time and I have been in love with all of Stravinsky's work ever since. Leonard Bernstein , I think , did the best interpretation of The Rite of Spring EVER!!
Somehow, when you see this work performed, you realize even more how savage it is.
@Gary Allen That's a great analysis, thank you sir.
That's the greatest conducting I've ever seen. Unbelievable.
Steve Jorfi, that’s because of our big bad Bernstein;)
Leonard Bernstein! You can hear echoes of this (and Copland) in West Side Story! ;O)
The guy was amazing. I was privileged to watch all of his Harvard Lectures one time over a series of days on T.V. Well worth checking out.
He's doing from memory. No score.
The Rattle video with the LSO from 2017 makes an interesting comparison and puts Lenny in fantastic light. There is a depth of savagery and expressiveness here that Simon can't fathom.
@@neorich59 They are brilliant. I didn't have the chance to see it on TV, but I watched all on TH-cam.
The first time I heard this I was on acid. You never really come back from that. A part of me is still inside of the grooves of a 33 lp, racing in tempo and never really knowing if I am pursuer or pursued.
The best single orchestral performance on TH-cam, bar none.
It's truly amazing but I can't decide if Bernstein is sacrificing himself to Stravinsky's score or the orchestral players are sacrificing themselves to Bernstein... :)
PrehistoricRussian Pagans watching: It’s free real estate
Amazing performance, simply amazing. Both the orchestra and of course Bernstein. No better words.
Eine Phantastische Performanz. Love it so much! Danke to Lenny etc.! Du warst mit Leib und Seele am work
How anyone can read bars that go in and out of 10/8 and 6/8 is a talent I could never achieve as seamlessly as this orchestra does.
He escuchado muchas versiones de esta maravillosa y excepcional obra musical y considero que ésta, la dirigida por Leonard Bernstein es la mejor interpretación.
Memorable, to say the least, for interpretation and brilliant execution.
To all! While reading your comments here I'm happy to say that they are giving me a lot. This performance belongs to the ones that if one could choose a moment to live this would be a choice forever. Thank you profoundly for your great comments!
So clear in rhythmic precision and accurate playing! Exciting and colorful music, with Leonard Betnstein at the top of his game and creative ingenuity!
What the hell is going on with the ads?? I've noticed recently YTube is now putting ads in EVERYTHING, including many classical music vids that previously were ad-free. The ads are bad enough, but randomly shoving them in, instead of between movements, is UNCONSCIONABLE!!
Get Adblock Plus (free) - I've never seen a single ad on YT.
AS @@MrCjsb suggests. Ad Block is the answer. Works on many other websites as well.
So very true! It's like a viral infection gone wild! It is so sad! You watch videos that are very interesting and out of nowhere a b.s. commercial pops up PLUS they have doubled down where there are TWO COMMERCIALS IN A ROW! It is so annoying!!!! TH-cams greed for more profits is driving a wonderful medium into the ground!
Because youtube itself is a free site that needs money to continue functioning so it uses ads like literally every other free site imaginable.
What's going on with the ads? Inflation, that's what. Inflation comes from gubmint, by force. Can't blame You Tube for seeking more AD revenue to pay for it. I would, if I were You Tube, until I decide to complain to the gubmint 'bout it.
Truly some of the finest conducting I have ever seen, and one of the greatest compositions I have ever heard. Absolutely brilliant
This is hardcore, dark, raw classical music
At 7:25 the horn player in the back is PLAYING THIS PIECE RIGHT! He rips that thing off his face! I LOVE IT!
A great conductor is always a great athlete.
Always liked „Le sacre“ a lot, but after hearing and watching this performance of Mr Bernstein and the LSO I can truly admit no other piece of music fills my soul as “Le sacre du printemps“ does. More moving and breathtaking isn’t possible! This performance is a reason to be.
Powerful!!!Thrilled me maestro Leny💙💙💙Splendid Orchestra💜💜💜
Happy Birthday to Igor Stravinsky REST IN POWER Blessings and Hugs 💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
I am completely mesmerized by each and every note, each and every rhythm. Also love the original choreography. If I had been there in 1913, I would applause this no doubt.
America’s greatest, absolutely greatest musical genius Leonard Bernstein. To conduct this from memory queuing every single instrument all the while being very descriptive in body language and beat how he wants the phrase to turn. Truly amazing. And I’ve played this piece with some of the best.
Superb work! Love forever
Not only was Bernstein the quintessential conductor of the 20th century, but he could transmit the emotions of any great work of music from his soul through his conducting with all of his body and expressions in a way that for the performer was entirely safe and comforting, no matter how difficult or unusual it might seem. The respect this fosters in the performers for their leader nurtures absolute resonance of his musical vision and intuition to the audience listening. It is palpable and unmistakeable. And all the more remarkable is that "Lenny" did it from total memory, no score in front of him and nary a missed beat or note for nearly 40 minutes! Notice at the applause when he returns to the podium and asks the orchestra members to rise for their recognition - they refuse! Stay seated! And refuse again! Their respect for him was so extreme in that moment they absolutely wanted the kudos to be his and his alone even if only for the fact he got them all there safely to the end not to mention the music he shared. Eventually they stand to take their share of the praise from the audience, but rarely have I seen such absolute cherishing respect for a leader in battle as this; they were literally humbled by Leonard's kindly yet staunch leadership and musicianship. Stravinsky's music shines in this video beyond the decades. What a treasure they both were to all of us.
Bernstein was not the quintessential 20th century conductor. Arturo Toscanini was.....
@@hankwilliams5622 You have a right to your opinion, certainly Toscanini was as well.
@@SouloftheTroll Yes, I know. But they can't both be the quintessential 20th century conductor. Toscanini was not an American. He was an Italian, greater and more enduring....
Outstanding Performance. Thank you. Out.
This piece was made for Lenny's virtuosic and expressive conducting. What a performance, bravo!
Stravinsky's strings sound more thrash than some thrash metal riffs. Awesome. In classical music we can find everything we want :) Thanks for upload.
Absolutely brilliant. Brutal and lyrical at the same time.
Listening to this piece for the first time in 40 years. I cannot believe how fresh it still sounds - and I still seem to remember every note. A masterpiece performed by a top conductor and a top orchestra
pity that someone thinks that this is Simon Rattle (wonderful conductor btw) and the cbso
32:52 is like he is holding this enormous weight in his hand, and then he releases it and the orchestra erupts into that cataclysm of sound that epitomises every noteworthy rhythmic and harmonic aspect of this piece, fucking brilliant
Didn't expect to see you here. Your metal arrangement of this piece was absolutely brilliant!
I see you are a fellow lover of Stravinsky. Would you care to share with me some of your favorite videos of his work? Thanks!
Bravo!! Bravi!! Maestro Bernstein sets the bar very high. Its as if he is having an out of body experience. Maestro Dudamel (LA Phil) said that Bernstein is his hero. If this piece was played in NYC, with this ferocity, they would have given him a rousing standing ovation and multiple curtain calls. This was an epic performance.
It certainly was Marge - I was at the concert in 1966. Unlike the Proms, the Fairfield Halls Croydon audience were not noted for raising the roof but I think we were all utterly drained at the end of the performance.
Rite of Spring is one of the top ten classical compositions of all time, and Bernstein's rendition is superb. Just Enjoy because classical music is the best.
I've always loved this music since I was a child and went to see the original Fantasia. My brother and I wanted to hear the rest of each of the symphonies and we'd replay them over and over again. Both Stravinsky and Bernstein were still alive and working when I was growing up but I never actually saw them perform themselves. That would have been amazing! Thank you to all of the musicians who have kept my heart, soul, mind, body happy all these years.
14:41-15:41 The most exciting, and terrifying, 60 seconds of music ever written, here given the most exciting, and terrifying, performance ever.
definitely the best Rite I've ever seen/ heard, audio quality notwithstanding. his Shostakovich #5 is also "one of a kind"
So great musicians en the conduct Bernstein , tank you very much so beautiful tank you Mister Stravinsky merci beaucoup
Stravinsky is the perfect balance of atonal and tonal music. I can't stand Schoenberg, etc, But Stravinsky is amazing to me, even having been a Baroque oriented organist since my teens.
There is passion and excitement in Stravinsky's music, Schoenberg is very intellectual. He is also rhythmically exciting.
It's not just that. Stravinsky was a genius at making best use of the characteristics of each type of orchestral instrument. He made use of an orchestra like a surgeon uses a scalpel.
Antitonal*
This piece isn't really atonal. Which may seem pedantic to say, but it's more poly-tonal and poly-rhythmic. And it's dissonant as hell.
Not sure Schoenberg would have thought very much of you, either.
As an oboist that is about to play this piece with an orchestra next month, I can tell you that Bernstein's qualities that would be most appreciated by the orchestra are the clarity of his baton work, the perfectly timed cues to various members with hand, head, eyes. The number one thing for the conductor is to keep this wild beast TOGETHER! The orchestra members have the added burden of actually producing the notes, besides keeping track of tempo and meter changes. Most orchestral musicians of this caliber already have the passion and artistry that brings a piece of music to life. They just need a solid leader on the podium, and Bernstein provides.
Leonard Bernstein is on fire!!!🔥
Such a ham ! But a terrific ham.
While recent performances and recordings of the Rite of Spring have become more precise, I think that the energy and character of this performance wins! Stravinsky twice published side-by-side spreadsheet critiques of many recordings (including his own and Bernstein's first NYPO recording) made in the years before this performance, and it seems to me that Bernstein considered Stravinsky's thoughts about the pitfalls these earlier readings before bettering them all. Wow!
Stravinsky's critique reviewed recordings by Robert Craft, Pierre Boulez and Herbert von Karajan, not the one by Bernstein. All three were found wanting. Likely Craft himself wrote at least some of the critique.
@@Twentythousandlps Bravo! Facts, hearing, and taste are often wanting in TH-cam comments. I remembered "Craft" (using the Russian alphabet) and Karajan but could not recall Boulez and was about to look it up when I read your comment.
17:05 Bernstein seems to love this chord as much as is do...
Do you know what chord is it?
Something like every note possible played by a different instrument, i guess...
It’s like 3 different chords at once. David Bruce does a great video deconstructing the rite of spring.
I can only imagine the impact this piece had when it was presented to the public for the first time. It must have been like an bomb going off, taking music to a place it had never been before. And for the record, this performance should have gotten a standing ovation.
Well riots started during the performance so yeah.
he is great, almost unbelievable. thanks for posting
Wonderful performance! The end of the first part is incredible!!
LOVE the amount of generous acknowledgements he makes to the various orchestra members before he acknowledges the audience!
I love that Stravinsky often used traditional folk sounding phrases in his music. Such inspiration watching such legend orchestrating this complex music.
God, what a great piece of music this is!
One of the greatest pieces of conducting that I have ever seen, or am ever likely to see. The reaction from the orchestra is heartfelt. They knew they were an integral part of something very special.
I love the way Lenny actually danced while conducting!!!
10:38 Leonard Bernstein. The only person that's ever gotten that to sound so amazing. Most people have a very short transition on the notes, while this and the 1958 NYP performances keep it perfect in length. This is my opinion, but if you could defer me to another performance with trombones like this, please do.
Spieler Subliminals I totally agree. I love Bernstein’s conducting of this composition. He nailed it. I first heard Rite of Spring in Fantasia. I never liked Stowkoski’s version once I heard other performances.
Yes absolutely! Sir simon rattle and the lso did a epic job also
Vintage London Symphony Orchestra (broadcast on BBC1, 22 January 1967?), much augmented, at the Fairfield Halls Croydon. Very musical, as well as exciting, performance, where Bernstein really shapes the music and shows the instrumental structure. It's not just very loud and very fast as in so many performances. If you watch what he does, and listen to what's happening as he does it, then the score is really illuminated. Probably the result of not having the printed music between conductor and orchestra. In the orchestra: Leader John Georgiadis; 2nd violins led by Neville Marriner; Stuart Knussen (father of Ollie), principal double bass; Gervase de Peyer, clarinet; Barry Tuckwell in the horns, Roger Lord, oboe and Michael Winfield, cor anglais; Kurt Goedicke and Ray Northcott, timpani; Jimmie Holland, principal percussion. A virtuoso team of superb players.
And the so appropriately named Hans Geiger sitting next to Georgadis.
Where did you find this information, if I may ask?
Checkmate1138 I went to a lot of LSO concerts in the early 70s.
I remember the original transmission but was able to check the dates via the BBC Genome site, which effectively indexes the Radio Times historically. As for members of the orchestra, I am able to identify them through personal knowledge and attendance at concerts for 55+ years. As for the comments on conducting: I'm a former professional singer (now freelance writer) who also studied conducting, and an inveterate 'conductor watcher'! Hope this answers your questions.
Oh dear, I wasn't even born then! But I can certainly trust your anecdotes, so thank you very much.
i listened to 3 recordings of this ,,,and i have to say,,,LB is the most musical one,,
,,he takes the end alittle slower,,,
,,also maybe its the recording but in others the very soft muted trumpet duet this is only recording i could actually hear the trumpets,,,
,,,also has anyone noticed some of LB West Side Story has some little bits of this piece?
,,,,this is a 20th century top 10 classical pieces ,,
,,,and LB is one of Americas greatest all time musical geniuses
Truly outstanding. Performance and conducting. Stravinsky & Bernstein; Genii in their own rite!
This is amazing. Bernstein knows every note of every player. He is worth the price of admission alone. I'm guessing by the pictures below, he is conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. It is unfortunate for all the commercial interruptions.
Wonderful music, wonderful musicians and of course Leonard Bernstein . the Lion King himself.
Amazing. Ancient jazz. Brilliant. Love it. Makes The mind wonder.
This composition is so epic, and innovative.
Grazie maestro Leonardo e requiescat in pace
leonard bernstein blew me away
the most incredible piece of music I've ever heard
Awesome! Bernstein is a absolute athlete conducting this amazing music! Bravo!!
Surprising interpretation, just seeing and hearing I was exhausted.
Greatest musician in my lifetime at 76. Oh Lenny....
This is radder and more brutal than anything I've heard from guys with neck tattoos and nose rings.
yeah...Everything I've worked toward in 20 years of study and playing extreme metal guitar is encapsulated or touched on here.
I didn't say anything about your guitar playing being encapsulated here. Did you even read my comment?
I play guitar in an extreme tech metal band and yes we are all tattooed in the band :P and YES! I know exactly what are you talking about! Rite is the most extreme and murderous musical piece ever period! .-
M B This is the revelation of truth, and guys with neck tattoos and nose rings are strong, but they can't handle the truth.
This particular truth is too scary for them.
It should be. It IS.
So beautifully eerie.
great to see legendary musicians as neville marriner, violin and barry tuckwell, french horn!!!
Ravishing | Brutal | Incredible! 😎🎹
That was extraordinary. I came here after listening to YES, Close to the Edge, where one of the commentors mentioned how it reminded him of this Symphony.
To watch Mr. Bernstein conduct with no score was also extraordinary. I shall never forget this.
Not even two minutes into the piece and I’m awestruck by how masterful Mr. Bernstein is. Also, he was so humbled by the applause from the audience but was trying to recognize the orchestra by getting them to stand.
A million thumbs up for this performance, but a billion thumbs down for TH-cam for destroying it with ads. 😡