This release under the title "American Masters 2" has Bernstein conducting works by three composers who influenced him during his college years at Harvard. Marc Blitzstein's 'Airborne Symphony' is a near-oratorio scored for orchestra, piano, chorus, vocal soloists, and narrator (in this recording, Orson Welles). The work was commissioned during World War II in 1943, and is divided into sections that begin with the "Theory of Flight" and follow the history of aircraft through the war itself. There are theatrical and humorous qualities, as in "Air Force: Ballad of Hurry Up" a sophisticated piece whose effect is simple. It is an interesting and likable work that Bernstein periodically rescued from obscurity, as in this 1966 recording.
Walter Piston's ballet, 'The Incredible Flutist' is one of his most popular works. The suite on this recording is brilliantly fun, but not without depth. It derives its energy from theatricality as well as complexity and lyricism.
The Prelude for Orchestra by Edward Hill is an American-style symphonic work, recalling in its partly tonal edge and style the better-known works of Samuel Barber. In the hands of Bernstein the piece is strong and complements this program of mid-twentieth century American Composers.