Leonard Bernstein: An American Musical Icon
Overview
July 19, 2022, 4:00 pmLeonard Bernstein was just 25 years old when he burst onto the New York and international musical scene with one of the most famous debuts of all time: his substitution for the ailing Bruno Walter as conductor of the New York Philharmonic in November of 1943.ย From that moment, his astonishing career in music blossomed as a conductor, a composer of Broadway musicals and films, a composer of โseriousโ American classical music, a pianist, and an educator.ย His flamboyant and occasionally chaotic personal life only added to his extraordinary charisma.ย ย
This presentation places Bernsteinโs musical journey against the backdrop of American cultural history.ย We will trace his early years and see how he overcame numerous obstacles to a successful career.ย Special emphasis will be given to his pivotal meeting with Aaron Copland, who served as a father figure, composition advisor, mentor, and friend.ย The presentation concludes with a performance of Bernsteinโs first published work: a piano arrangement of Coplandโs El Salon Mexico.