As far as I am aware, the original tracks for Leonard Bernstein's On the Waterfront are currently not available, however the suite here contains much of the original music and all the most important musical ideas. Anyone familiar with Goldsmith's LA Confidential will be struck by the opening of Bernstein's music which features the same broad horn motif that Goldsmith used in his score. In fact the overall feel of Goldsmith's score owes some debt to Bernstein's. The sombriety of the opening motif soon moves through to some fairly dynamic and percussive music, marked as Presto barbaro and certainly very striking indeed. The middle section is much more delicate, with flute solos becoming prominent; more of the violent material returns followed by a restatement of the opening motif. The moods of the story (briefly recounted in the liner notes) are well mirrored by Bernstein's exciting, often tense, but accesible music. Perhaps not one of the most memorable items in Bernstein's body of work, but a good entry into the film music paean.

I am not familiar with Roy Harris, but his Symphony No 3 presented here is a modestly exciting work, that has a few modernistic touches, among a more familiar Americana framework. Good though it is, it isn't nearly so striking as the rest of the album. Billy the Kid is one of Copland's most well known ballets, and this suite presents all the most important parts of the story. Perhaps not quite as memorable as Appalachian Spring, but with enough of Copland's deft touch to be worth hearing all the same.

The playing of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eduardo Mata is technically proficient, but perhaps not quite as fiery as it I would have liked. Bernstein, in particular always conducted with such vigor that anything less is quite a disappointment. The problem is highlight by the exceptionally low level of the recording, possibly one of the quietest albums I've ever heard. When turned up loud enough, the sound is clear, but more passionate playing would have made for a more enthralling listen. Still, film music fans will undoubtedly enjoy Leonard Bernstein's contribution, even if a more exciting performance could probably be found elsewhere.

Rating ~

  1. On the Waterfront (1954) Leonard Bernstein (20:50)
  2. Symphony No. 3 (1937) Roy Harris (18:15)
    Billy the Kid (1938) Aaron Copland
  3. Introduction: The Open Prairie (Lento Maestoso) (3:15)
  4. Street in a Frontier Town (Moderato) (3:22)
  5. Mexican Dance and Finale (Moderato) (3:19)
  6. Prairie Night: Card Game at Night (Molto moderato) (3:20)
  7. Gun Battle (Allegro) (2:02)
  8. Celebration: After Billy's Capture (Allegro) (2:08)
  9. Billy's Death (Lento moderato) (1:08)
  10. The Open Prairie Again (1:45)

Total Time ~ 60:30