Leonard Bernstein's Symphony No. 3 ("Kaddish") epitomizes the musical and religious contradictions embodied by the man. Bernstein speaks about the making of the "Kaddish"; actress Laila Robins reads the "Closing Prayer"; and Boston scholars detail the musical and religious roots of Bernstein's "12-tone" -- yet tonal symphony.
Need a little inspiration? Look no further: Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), the great American-born and -trained conductor and composer, educator and humanitarian, spoke volumes in words and deeds: from understanding loss and disappointment, to persisting amid frustration (and fame), to devoting concerts to social causes. Here are ten of our favorite quotes (for musicians and the rest of us).
"Where truth with beauty meets," Leonard Bernstein wrote as he neared his 70th birthday, is home to that over-used, four-letter word -- "I cringe to say it" -- called, love.
Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas by selecting your favorite classical masterpiece: Up vote to decide!
Corelli's best-known orchestral work, the Christmas Concerto, captures all the moods of the holiday, from solemn reflection to sprightly celebration.
Enjoy two renditions of the popular Christmas carol (which was first an English love song) from The Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, and a new arrangement for countertenor and harp by two alumni of From the Top.
Orchestral versions of the best music from Rimsky-Korsakov's opera of the same name, all taking place on -- you guessed it -- Christmas Eve!
This arrangement for string quartet by Dewi Tudor Jones, performed here by four young musicians, "From the Top," augments the rhythmic joy of Leroy Anderon's 20th century carol.
If we were playing crosswords, the clue might say: "Germany's solstice flower carol?" Need a hint? It's one of the best Christmas carols--ever.
