Overture to Candide

Candide, the comic operetta based on Voltaire’s work, had an unfortunately short musical life on Broadway in 1956. However its lively Overture to Candide had its premiere by the New York Philharmonic orchestra under the direction of composer Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990) in 1957, and has become a favorite in the concert repertoire of both orchestras and bands. The work is very rhythmic, yet forceful, combining the classical and popular style into a clever and modern composition. (Source: Carl Barnett, Will Rogers High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma)