Latin American Fiesta (Bernstein Century)
Maestro Lenny was at his best in this extroverted, highly rhythmic music. TheBatuqueby Brazilian composer Oscar Lorenzo Fernandez will be a discovery for most people, a tremendously exciting orchestral showpiece. There's lots more excitement in the pieces by Guarnieri, Revueltas (a stunning performance of the great Sensemayá), and two pieces by the tourist Aaron Copland. (This version ofEl Salón Méxicois Bernstein's stereo recording; Sony has already reissued his earlier mono one.) The late Netania Davrath sings beautifully in the familiar Villa-LobosBachianas Brasileiras No. 5. Sony's remastering is really first- rate. But there should have been more than 53 minutes of music, even on this mid-priced reissue.--Leslie Gerber