Musical comedy in 2 acts
Recorded: 30-31 December 2002, Philharmonie, Berlin
* In his first appearance in the Berlin Philharmonic's New Years Eve's Concerts, Simon Rattle conducts one of the most brilliant and entertaining scores of Leonard Bernstein: the musical comedy "Wonderful Town"
* No conductor and no orchestra in the world attract more attention than Simon Rattle and his Berlin Philharmonic
* They are joined here by Broadway stars Kim Criswell and Audra McDonald and by world-famous baritone Thomas Hampson in the leading parts
* A great show full of dancing, choruses, fascinating light design and - above all - intoxicating music
* The exuberant atmosphere of this event culminates in an overwhelming encore with the musicians and audience dancing through the hall - you will never have seen the Philharmonie like this
"A grandiose New Year's Eve Concert. This firework of wit, charm and musicality [reveals] a new spirit in the Philharmonie" -- B.Z. - Berliner Zeitung
"In this hugely enjoyable new recording..., the contrasting voices of Audra McDonald - sweet, creamy and sexy as romantic Eileen - and Kim Criswell - raunchy, brassy... as the realistic Ruth - beguile the ear." -- The Sunday Times on the audio recording
"...it is exuberant show music, with an occasional bittersweet edge. That zest is brilliantly caught in Simon Rattle's performance..." -- The Guardian on the audio recording |
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