Leonard Bernstein (BERN-stine)

Born August 25, 1918 in Lawrence Massachusetts

Died October 14, 1990

Nationality: American

Period/Style: Modern

About the composer:

Leonard Bernstein came into music rather late, when you consider how early some musicians start lessons.  His family got an upright piano when he was ten years old and he was immediately very interested in playing.  He took lessons and went on to study music at both Harvard University and Curtis Institute of Music. Although he studied all aspects of music, he was more focused on learning about conducting.  When he was 25 years old, he was appointed Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.  In November of that year, the regular conductor became ill and was unable to conduct the concert.  Lenoard Bernstein went on to lead the orchestra that night, with only about four hours notice and he was an instant success.  There was a review of the performance on the front page of the New York Times and suddenly everyone knew who this bright young star was.  He conducted many of the world's most famous orchestras, and in addition to that, because the author of several books about music and composed many wonderful compositions.  He conducted a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony during the fall of the Berlin Wall.  He also hosted a television program in which he taught young and old people alike about music.  He served as the conductor, teacher and also played piano on that series.

About the music:

Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story" (20-25 min)

Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story" is the orchestral version of the musical by the same name.  It was written in 1957 and was a huge success.  The story is about the jungle-like tension that prevails in one of Manhattan's teeming slum areas.  The Jets (native NY boys led by a fellow named Riff) and the Sharks ( Puerto Ricans led by the hot-tempered Bernardo) are rival street gangs, each determined to control the block.  Tony, co-founder of the Jets, and Maria, Bernardo's sister, meet and fall in love.  The rival gangs plan a "rumble" (fight) and as the unrest intensifies, Tony visits Maria on the fire escape of her apartment where they pledge their love.  Despite Tony's best efforts to stop it, the rumble proceeds as planned, ending tragically for the lovers.  This story is very close to that of Romeo and Juliet, although it is set in the 1950's on the streets of New York.  Highlights from the musical are "One Hand, One Heart", " Cool", the Jets' theme song, and "Tonight"

Overture to Candide (can-DEED) (approx. 5 min)

An overture is the music played by the orchestra before the curtain goes up (for the opera, play or ballet). This overture comes before the opera “Candide.”  It is very lively! There are many solo lines throughout.  See if you can pick out various instruments when they have solos.

Suggested activities

Find out who wrote Romeo and Juliet.

Read about the Berlin Wall, why it was built, and why it was taken down.