Bernstein rehearses \'Nimrod\' from Elgar\'s \'Enigma Variations

In 1982, Leonard Bernstein made his one and only appearance with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. TV cameras were on hand to film the first rehearsal, at which he arrived late and without apology. He brushed aside the concert-master's words of introduction and began rehearsing Elgar's "Enigma Variations" in a way totally at odds with what the British musicians were used to. The 'Nimrod' Variation provides a good example of his approach; here he is rehearsing that segment. It comes from a newly-released ICA Classics DVD which features the entire televised Royal Festival Hall concert as well as 25 minutes of that uncomfortable first rehearsal and an interview with Barry Norman.

The following day, Bernstein and the BBC SO recorded the "Enigma Variations" and three of Elgar's marches for DG. Once the sessions were over, as his biographers reveal, Bernstein let it be known that he never wanted to work with the BBC Symphony Orchestra ever again. The feeling was entirely mutual!