Bernstein: Candide
While "West Side Story" is Leonard Bernstein's most popular and often performed Opera, most veteran critics and even Bernstein himself regarded "Candide" as a superior achievement. Having reworked the piece throughout his life this Deutsche Grammophon recording presents Bernstein's final thoughts, and all who've treasured the longstanding Columbia (now Sony) original cast recording will find much to enjoy here as well. In 1991 when this set was first issued it won Stereo Review's record of the year as well as Best Classical Album at the Grammy awards. Unlike the cheaper (in terms of price and sound quality) more recent domestic reissue, this handsome slipcase production includes the full notes and texts. A must for every Bernstein enthusiast.