This enterprising and exceptionally well-played CD contains the world premiere recording of a charming suite arranged from Candide, Bernstein’s wittiest musical. When combined with the overture from the same show, as it is here, the result is a marvelous twosome that ought to appear together often. The Five Songs also are receiving their premieres in new orchestrations by Sid Ramin, a regular Bernstein collaborator. Mezzo-soprano Beth Clayton sings them beautifully. Add to these enterprising items a sparkling performance of the Divertimento (every bit as good as the composer’s version) and the Three Meditations from Mass, originally arranged for Rostropovich (but here excellently played by cellist Anthony Ross), and the result is probably the most important Bernstein recording since Lenny’s own. And of course, sonics are state of the art. Terrific. [10/19/1999]
