The great American composer, conductor, and teacher of music, Leonard Bernstein, was born on August 25, 1918, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He lived 72 years, dying of a heart attack caused by mesothelioma on October 9, 1990 in New York.
From the Leonard Bernstein official website: “In 1945, he was appointed Music Director of the New York City Symphony Orchestra, a post he held until 1947. … Bernstein became Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in 1958. From then until 1969 he led more concerts with the orchestra than any previous conductor.”
“Bernstein traveled the world as a conductor. Immediately after World War II, in 1946, he conducted in London and at the International Music Festival in Prague. In 1947 he conducted in Tel Aviv, beginning a relationship with Israel that lasted until his death.”
“Bernstein was a leading advocate of American composers, particularly Aaron Copland. The two remained close friends for life.”Bernstein was a leading advocate of American composers, particularly Aaron Copland. The two remained close friends for life.”
“While Bernstein’s conducting repertoire encompassed the standard literature, he may be best remembered for his performances and recordings of Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann, Sibelius and Mahler. Particularly notable were his performances of the Mahler symphonies with the New York Philharmonic in the 1960s, sparking a renewed interest in the works of Mahler.”
“Inspired by his Jewish heritage, Bernstein completed his first large-scale work: Symphony No. 1: “Jeremiah” (1943).”
“Bernstein contributed substantially to the Broadway musical stage.” He collaborated with others in the great musicals, “On The Town“, “Wonderful Town“, “Candide“, the landmark musical, “West Side Story” and “1600 Pennsylvania Avenue“.
“In 1978, the Israel Philharmonic sponsored a festival commemorating his years of dedication to Israel. The Israel Philharmonic also bestowed on him the lifetime title of Laureate Conductor in 1988.”
“Bernstein received many honors. He was elected in 1981 to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, which gave him a Gold Medal.”
To learn more about the life and achievements of the American icon, Leonard Bernstein, please click: About Leonard Bernstein from the Leonard Bernstein Website.
On this, Leonard Bernstein’s 105th Birthday, please turn up the volume, play in full screen and enjoy Leonard Bernstein as a conductor and some of his wonderful music.
Mahler Symphony #2 in C minor, “Resurrection” [finale]: [conducted by Leonard Bernstein]
Leonard Bernstein: West Side Story, “Symphonic Dances”:
Leonard Bernstein: West Side Story: “Maria”:
Beethoven: Symphony #5 in C minor: [conducted by Leonard Bernstein]
Leonard Bernstein: “Candide Overture”: [conducted by Leonard Bernstein]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEONARD BERNSTEIN!
Classical Music With Big Mike 
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