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)
