Member-only story

Music Was It: The Early Life and Career of Leonard Bernstein, an American Icon

Dalton Foster

·15.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Music Was IT: Young Leonard Bernstein

5 min read

142 View Claps

9 Respond

Save

Listen

Leonard Bernstein, one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century, was a true American icon. His extraordinary talent and passion for music propelled him to the forefront of the classical music world, where he left an indelible mark as a conductor, composer, pianist, teacher, and humanitarian. This article delves into the early life and career of Leonard Bernstein, exploring the experiences and influences that shaped his remarkable journey.

Early Life: A Musical Prodigy

Leonard Bernstein was born on August 25, 1918, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Russian Jewish immigrants. His father, Samuel, ran a beauty supply business, while his mother, Jennie, was a talented pianist. From an early age, Bernstein exhibited an exceptional aptitude for music. He began taking piano lessons at the age of four and quickly displayed an extraordinary level of skill.

Music Was IT: Young Leonard Bernstein

by Susan Goldman Rubin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28835 KB
Print length	:	192 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Hardcover	:	255 pages
Item Weight	:	1 pounds
Dimensions	:	6 x 8.5 inches

Bernstein's love for music extended beyond the piano. He often attended symphony concerts with his parents and was captivated by the power and beauty of orchestral music. At the age of 10, he composed his first orchestral work, titled "Penny Whistle IV." This early composition showcased Bernstein's natural talent and his ability to express his musical ideas with clarity and originality.

Education and Musical Training

Recognizing Bernstein's prodigious talent, his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in music. In 1936, he enrolled in the prestigious Harvard University, where he majored in music. At Harvard, Bernstein studied under some of the most renowned music educators of the time, including Walter Piston, Aaron Copland, and Irving Fine.

While at Harvard, Bernstein continued to compose and conduct. He wrote his first symphony, titled "Jeremiah," which was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1944. This major work demonstrated Bernstein's mastery of musical forms and his ability to convey deeply emotional and spiritual themes through music.

After graduating from Harvard in 1939, Bernstein pursued further studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Here, he honed his skills as a conductor, working with legendary conductors such as Fritz Reiner and Dimitri Mitropoulos.

Early Career: A Rising Star

Bernstein's career as a conductor began in 1943 when he was appointed assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra under the renowned music director, Artur Rodziński. Bernstein's debut performance with the Philharmonic was a resounding success, and he quickly established himself as a rising star in the conducting world.

In 1945, Bernstein achieved international recognition when he was asked to step in as guest conductor for the New York Philharmonic after Bruno Walter fell ill. Bernstein's performance was electrifying, and he received rave reviews from both critics and audiences. From that moment forward, Bernstein's career took off at an astonishing pace.

Accomplishments and Legacy

Over the course of his illustrious career, Leonard Bernstein achieved remarkable accomplishments that cemented his status as an American icon. He served as the music director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for 11 seasons, from 1958 to 1969. During his tenure, he transformed the Philharmonic into one of the world's leading orchestras, renowned for its artistic excellence and musical innovation.

Bernstein was not only a gifted conductor but also a prolific composer. His compositions include symphonies, operas, ballets, and film scores. Some of his most famous works include the musical "West Side Story," the opera "Candide," and the orchestral piece "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story." Bernstein's music is characterized by its energy, passion, and melodic beauty, and has been performed and recorded by countless musicians worldwide.

Beyond his musical achievements, Bernstein was also a passionate educator and humanitarian. He founded the New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts, which introduced classical music to millions of children around the world. He also spoke out against social injustice and discrimination, and used his platform to promote peace and understanding.

Leonard Bernstein was a musical giant whose influence continues to inspire and captivate audiences today. His early life and career were marked by extraordinary talent, unwavering passion, and a deep commitment to music. From his humble beginnings as a piano prodigy to his international acclaim as a conductor and composer, Bernstein left an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond. He will forever be remembered as an American icon whose music and legacy continue to resonate with generations of music lovers.

Music Was IT: Young Leonard Bernstein

by Susan Goldman Rubin

5 out of 5