Leonard Bernstein: American Original - Hardcover

Bernstein, Burton; Haws, Barbara

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0061537861 ISBN 13: 9780061537868

Publisher: Harper, 2008

Synopsis

One of the most gifted, celebrated, scrutinized, and criticized musicians in the second half of the twentieth century, Leonard Bernstein made his legendary conducting debut at the New York Philharmonic in 1943, at age 25. A year later, he became a sensation on Broadway with the premiere of On the Town. Throughout the 1950s, his Broadway fame only grew with Wonderful Town, Candide, and West Side Story. And in 1958, the Philharmonic appointed him the first American Music Director of a major symphony orchestra—a signal historical event. He was adored as a quintessential celebrity but one who could do it all—embracing both popular and classical music, a natural with the new medium of television, a born teacher, writer, and speaker, as well as a political and social activist. In 1976, having conducted the Philharmonic for more than one thousand concerts, he took his orchestra on tour to Europe for the last time.

All of this played out against the backdrop of post-Second World War New York City as it rose to become the cultural capital of the world—the center of wealth, entertainment, communications, and art—and continued through the chaotic and galvanizing movements of the 1960s that led to its precipitous decline by the mid 1970s.

The essays within this book do not simply retell the Bernstein story; instead, Leonard Bernstein's brother, Burton Bernstein, and current New York Philharmonic archivist and historian, Barbara B. Haws, have brought together a distinguished group of contributors to examine Leonard Bernstein's historic relationship with New York City and its celebrated orchestra. Composer John Adams, American historians Paul Boyer and Jonathan Rosenberg, music historians James Keller and Joseph Horowitz, conductor and radio commentator Bill McGlaughlin, musicologist Carol Oja, and music critics Tim Page and Alan Rich have written incisive essays, which are enhanced by personal reminiscences from Burton Bernstein. The result is a telling portrait of Leonard Bernstein, the musician and the man.

About this title

Review:

Interspersed with this wealth of well-considered commentary are the smart and affectionate recollections of Burton Bernstein, concluding with his eulogy for ‘my brother, Lenny.’ All this, and scads of pictures, too! A flat-out wonderful book. (Booklist (starred review))

The photos are priceless. (Bloomberg News)

Synopsis:

Always on the forefront of American culture, whether it was composing for Broadway or the symphonic orchestra, hiring the first women musicians, defending the rights of African Americans, promoting public education, or championing new composers and works, Bernstein was a powerful force who ignited social, political, and cultural change. Through the text of Burton Bernstein, Leonard's younger brother, as well as contributions from other prominent writers, historians, and journalists, Bernstein's remarkable career (spanning almost six decades) and his widespread impact in many areas will be examined and celebrated.This beautifully designed and highly illustrated book will showcase some 100-150 photographs, excerpts from Bernstein's writings, reviews, posters, and other ephemera. The book will be published in August 2008, marking the 90th birthday of Bernstein, and the 50th anniversary of Bernstein's first season as Music Director of the Philharmonic. The Philharmonic will be promoting and planning events worldwide for the 50th anniversary - a Bernstein Year (2008-2009).

Additional essays from leading journalists, historians, and musicians - including Pulitzer Prize winners John Adams and Tim Page, Joseph Horowitz, and Ira Glazer - discuss Bernstein's impact on his times as well as the political and social climate in America that shaped Bernstein's activism (women's rights, civil rights, politics, etc.).

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0061537861
• ISBN 13: 9780061537868
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240