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Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein

Born: 25th August 1918, Lawrence

Died: 14th October 1990, New York

Nationality: American

Leonard Bernstein was an American conductor, composer, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian. Among the most important conductors of his time, he was also the first American conductor to receive international acclaim. According to music critic Donal Henahan, he was "one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history".

As a composer he wrote in many styles, including symphonic and orchestral music, ballet, film and theatre music, choral works, opera, chamber music and works for the piano. His best-known work is the Broadway musical West Side Story, which continues to be regularly performed worldwide, and was made into an Academy Award–winning feature film. His works include three symphonies, Chichester Psalms, Serenade after Plato's "Symposium", the original score for the film On the Waterfront, and theater works including On the Town, Wonderful Town, Candide, and his MASS.

Further Reading: Bernstein

Interview, James Ehnes on John Williams and Leonard Bernstein

The violinist talks about his new album of pieces by two titans of twentieth-century American culture, what their music has meant to him throughout his life, and his thoughts on the differing stylistic qualities and requirements of writing for film as opposed to the concert hall.

Recording of the Week, Simon Rattle and the LSO dazzle in Leonard Bernstein's Wonderful Town

Bernstein's 1953 musical receives a sparkling performance from the London Symphony Orchestra under Simon Rattle, with a cast led by Danielle de Niese, Alysha Umphress, and Nathan Gunn.

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