Leonard bernstein biography orchestra music

Bernstein—or “Lenny,” as he was often affectionately called—was an extravagantly gifted musician with a common touch.

This biography, written by Harvard scholar Carol J.

Oja, explores the bridge-building musical genius of Leonard Bernstein.

“Restless creative vision”

Leonard Bernstein—celebrated as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century—ushered in an era of major cultural and technological transition.

He led the way in advocating an open attitude about what constituted “good” music, actively bridging the gap between classical music, Broadway musicals, jazz, and rock, and he seized new media for its potential to reach diverse communities of listeners, young and old.

Longtime conductor of the New York Philharmonic, renowned composer of works for the concert hall and Broadway stage, glamorous television personality, virtuosic pianist, and committed educator, Bernstein was a multi-tasker long before the term was coined.

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