Composer of the Week 9: Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

Leonard Bernstein was an American composer, conductor, author, music

lecturer, and pianist. He was among the first conductors born and educated in the US to

receive worldwide acclaim.

Facts:* Bernstein is known for 3 important roles in music:

1) As the first permanent conductor of a major American orchestra (he was eventually able to conduct all the major orchestras of the world)

2) As a composer (of musical theater and other works)

3) As a music educator -- Bernstein televised his “Young People’s Concerts” for children

and taught a generation of kids about classical music. Many of these are on YouTube and are very fun to watch. He demonstrates the concepts by playing the piano and by conducting his orchestra in front of an audience of children.

*Composed the score for the Broadway hit musical, “West Side Story,” a musical in which a modern day Romeo and Juliet are involved in New York street gangs. The movie version holds the record of receiving the most Oscars of any film musical – 10!

* Quote: “To be strong of will, but not to offend; To be intimate with my fellow man, but not to presume; To love, but not to be weakened by loving; To serve music, but not to forget humanity for the music; To work, but not to destroy oneself in working; To rest, but not to be idle; To be a

proud and grateful American, but also to be a proud and grateful Jew; To give, but also to receive; To create, but also to perform; To act, but also to dream; To live, but also to be.” –Leonard Bernstein

Let’s Listen:*West Side Story

+modern commercials*Candide*Young People’s Concerts

Youtube Playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT6qirHc_8D-rcGzdgbXynr9dfo5X3XzU

Music - Bernstein - YouTubewww.youtube.com