Bernstein conducts Schuman: Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major “Rhenish”

The raw energy of Leonard Bernstein, American classical music’s greatest showman, and the Old World elegance of the Wiener Philharmoniker: it was an unlikely combination, but somehow it just clicked, and Bernstein and the great Viennese orchestra never failed to strike sparks off each other. This performance of Schumann’s sweeping symphonic evocation of the Rhineland – captured in 1984 as part of a full Schumann symphony cycle – positively glows with open-hearted affection and verve. In front of a packed Vienna Musikverein, the orchestra’s commitment is visible, as well as audible, and legendary director Humphrey Burton captures the authentic thrill of the live occasion.

Ensemble: 

Wiener Philharmoniker

Conductor: 

Leonard Bernstein