His liberal political views also caused contention. “Leonard Bernstein was the flamboyant ringmaster of his own nonstop circus” - Los Angeles TimesĪlthough much admired, Bernstein was targeted by critics who looked down upon his conducting style, claiming it was histrionic and indulgent. The audience was enraptured and by the end of the performance, which had been broadcast live by CBS Radio, Bernstein had been propelled into the spotlight. In 1943, at the age of 25, Bernstein made his sensational debut at the New York Philharmonic conducting pieces by Rózsa, Strauss and Wagner.
Determined, young Leonard raised his own funds to pay for a few sessions. He loved the instrument, but his father refused to pay for lessons. Bernstein first played the piano at the age of 10, after his aunt needed a place to store her upright piano.
He grew up understanding that business and success were paramount, and a job in the arts was off-limits. The son of migrant parents, Bernstein’s youth was not musical, largely due to the discouragement of his father. He was one of first conductors born and educated in the US to receive international acclaim. Born on August 25th, 1918 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Bernstein’s worldwide fame stemmed from his long tenure as the New York Philharmonic Music Director, from his conducting of concerts with most of the world’s leading orchestras, and from his scores for West Side Story, Peter Pan, Candide, Wonderful Town, On the Town, On The Waterfront, and a range of other compositions, including three symphonies plus many shorter chamber and solo works.
0 kommentar(er)
