Brash, Confident and Democratic: How Bernstein Symbolized America

[elleng]

Five writers on what made the protean Bernstein, born 100 years ago, one of the most indelible figures in the history of the arts.

'A man, a country and an era came together in Leonard Bernstein, the musician of the American century.

After 150 years of insecurity as this country gazed across the sea at the edifices of European culture, here was the New World finally in command. Composer, conductor, arranger, pianist, television personality, star, Bernstein — a Jew, crucially, just a few years after the Holocaust — marched Mahler back into Vienna, a second wave of liberation, a musical Marshall Plan. Bold, maybe a little brash; tender, maybe a little sentimental; difficult to work with yet desperate to please: Bernstein’s qualities were America’s, too.

He was born 100 years ago on Aug. 25, and his centenary is being celebrated as his achievement — and the smilingly confident place and time he symbolized — seems ever more unrepeatable. Who today could write both “West Side Story” and three thorny, searching symphonies? Who could bring together Brahms and the Beatles on national television, and have millions watch? To what maestro’s left-wing political dalliances would New York magazine devote a cover story in 2018?

Yet if there will never be another Bernstein, and if the high culture for which he tirelessly evangelized keeps drifting farther from the mainstream, his legacy is still clear, and secure. When he died, in 1990, he left us a charge to listen to music, of all kinds, with endless enthusiasm; to devote ourselves to both the creation of new work and the revival of old; to make every facet of culture accessible to all.'>>>

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/23/arts/music/leonard-bernstein-centennial.html?

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My radio station will honor him this weekend, with lots of his performances (as conductor) etc. Tune in!

[Paladin]

1. One of the genuine greats.

So glad to see continued recognition of all his many accomplishments.

[Aristus]

2. I grew up listening to LP recordings of his musical lessons for young people.

I also had a recording of his version of 'Peter And The Wolf'. The cover art was a rather frightening expressionist painting of the wolf crawling out of a forest to pounce on the duck, while Peter, the bird, and the cat flee in terror.

I loved Bernstein. I thought he was handsome and charming (oddly adult thoughts for a child of ten or so), had a terrific speaking voice, and spoke of the young musicians under his tutelage with great respect.

[elleng]

3. Dad and I attended one of his 'Young people's concerts' in NYC,

loved it! Dad said I shouted out, from the balcony, when he asked a question.

[Aristus]

4. I would love to have done that.

Lucky you!