The Classical Music Minute

Leonard Bernstein: One Of A Kind

October 11, 2021 Steven Hobé, Composer & Host Season 1 Episode 24
The Classical Music Minute
Leonard Bernstein: One Of A Kind
Show Notes Transcript

Description
Leonard Bernstein was one of the first American-born conductors to receive worldwide fame. A conductor, composer, and avid educator, his life cannot be captured in this podcast. But my hope is that if you didn’t know much about Leonard Bernstein, this snapshot may inspire you to learn more. Join me, as we take a minute to get the scoop!

Fun Fact
Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story" was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. The original 1957 Broadway production, ran for 732 performances before going on tour. It was nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Musical in 1958. The show had an even longer-running London production, a number of revivals, and international productions. A 1961 musical film adaptation was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won ten, including Best Picture.

About Steven
Steven is a Canadian composer living in Toronto. He creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and more satiric shades of human existence. If you're interested, please check out his website for more.

A Note To Music Students et al.
All recordings and sheet music are available on my site. I encourage you to take a look and play through some. Give me a shout if you have any questions.

Got a topic? Pop me off an email at: TCMMPodcast@Gmail.com 

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Leonard Bernstein was one of the first American-born conductors to receive worldwide fame. 

In November 1943, guest conductor of the New York Philharmonic, Bruno Walter, had fallen ill. Bernstein, assistant conductor at the time, was ordered to the podium to conduct the afternoon concert.

It was then Bernstein made his mark. He was featured on the front page of the New York Times and thus became an overnight success. 

Bernstein also harnessed the power of television by showcasing his Young People's Concerts on CBS. He also presented young talent, many of whom went on to great acclaim, such as conductors Claudio Abbado and Seiji Ozawa

Leonard Bernstein composed several works including the musical Trouble in Tahiti; the operetta, Candide; as well as the Broadway musical West Side Story. 

Bernstein had an inquiring mind, which is what made him such a great teacher. In my humble opinion, Leonard Bernstein was indeed one of a kind.