It's a lengthy, incredible blend of image and music. When Bernstein finally allows solo violin to climb out of the despair, you know Frankie Machine has licked it this time. This score has always been around. The recording, though bright in the high end, always displayed great clarity. Especially detailed are lower piano, woodwind parts.
Low end remains punchy, particularly with pizzicato string bass.
Music like this never dates. It's music with power, genuine emotion. When you hit the right note you can catch feelings like this with music in any language.