Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

Composer of the Week Podcast vor 2 Monaten

Donald Macleod explores the turbulent life and music of Leonard Bernstein.

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Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Leonard Bernstein –
conductor, composer, educator and one of the most recognisable
figures in American cultural life. From his student years at
Harvard and the influential friendships that helped launch his
career, to his breakthrough as a young conductor and his success
on Broadway, Bernstein combined a rare range of talents with a
gift for public communication. His story encompasses symphonies
and musicals, Hollywood and television, artistic triumphs and
professional setbacks. Alongside his achievements ran a complex
personal life, shaped by his marriage to Felicia Montealegre, his
struggles with identity, and an enduring commitment to political
and charitable causes. Through his music, we follow a figure who
helped define American music in the twentieth century.

Music featured includes: West Side Story – America Divertimento
Anniversaries – I. For Aaron Copland Serenade after Plato’s
Symposium – IV. Agathon Clarinet Sonata – 2nd movement Symphony
No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety" – Epilogue On the Town – New York, New
York Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah" Three Dance Episodes from On the
Town Fancy Free – Finale Slava! A Political Overture Trouble in
Tahiti – Prelude Wonderful Town – Overture; Ballet at the Village
Vortex; Wrong Note Rag Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront
Prelude, Fugue and Riffs Facsimile – 1st movement West Side Story
– Overture Mass – Pax: Communion Candide Overture 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue Suite Songfest Four Anniversaries – I. For
Felicia Montealegre A Quiet Place – Postlude West Side Story –
Tonight Concerto for Orchestra – 3rd and 4th movements Chichester
Psalms Arias and Barcarolles – Nachtspiel (Postlude)

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC
Audio Wales and West

For full track listings, including artist and recording details,
and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after
broadcast) head to the series page for Leonard Bernstein
(1918-1990) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002y04k.

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve
featured on Composer of the Week here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z.