I borrowed this video from a friend and now I'm going to buy it if I can find it. It is excellent in so many ways.
First off, watching a master like Bernstein makes everyone else in the craft pale by comparison. I'm not an opera buff, and I'm no expert on conductors, but watching Bernstein was always a treat for me. He's a perfectionist. That I can see, but his over-flowing passion is contagious and kept me riveted.
But this documentary/passion play isn't only interesting because of that. To hear Bernstein's commentary on the movie "West Side Story" and how he came to write the score for that just thrills your soul. Aside from that, hearing the other singers comments on Bernstein, especially Kiri Te Kanawa who's obviously enthralled to be there, is just wonderful. The chemistry between these two is tangible and then there's the reverse. Bernstein lays into poor Jose Carreras so hard that Carreras starts chewing his nails. After they've been at it for several days, you can see that the recording session isn't going to Bernstein's liking and it's obvious that he's worn out. I felt like I was given a special behind-the-scenes viewing. It was great.
As I speak Spanish, I just happened to read a Spanish review about how "Carreras handled himself like a gentlemen." Baloney! He let go some curses that would curl your hair if it was translated into English.
It all makes for a very insightful voyeur's haven of documented human emotions, passions and play.
If you like music, human interaction and entertainment, you'll love this docu. I can't recommend it more highly and Tush-tush! to anyone who tells you differently. If you're a Bernstein fan, run out and buy this film!
