Bernstein: Candide

In 1991, Deutsche Grammophon issued a recording of Leonard Bernstein’s operetta Candide, with the composer conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, the same orchestra, along with Bernstein pupil Marin Alsop, returned to the work to celebrate the composer’s centenary. The star of the evening, recorded live and heard here, is Canadian soprano Jane Archibald, whose “Cunegonde!” is fearlessly and wittily sung, with diamond-cut precision. Leonardo Capalbo is a fine Candide and Anne Sofie von Otter has a lot of fun as The Old Lady. As Dr. Pangloss, the great baritone Sir Thomas Allen calls on every ounce of his acting chops—and he delivers with terrific panache. Follow the story with Apple Music’s lyrics feature.