Becoming a Celebrity (1943-1957)

Tag: Becoming a Celebrity (1943-1957)

This period begins at a turning point in Bernstein’s professional life: substituting for an ailing Bruno Walter to conduct the New York Philharmonic (Nov. 14, 1943). Bernstein’s performance launched him into early stardom: he appeared on the cover of The New York Times the next day. These years include numerous triumphs as a conductor and composer, as well as personally.

Best of Bernstein: 10 Quotes for Inspiring and Motivating Musicians and Artists (and Every One Who Dares to Hope and Dream)

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).

Photographing Lenny: 12 Leonard Bernstein Photos by Ruth Orkin

Ruth Orkin photographed Leonard Bernstein's public and private moments. Here are twelve of our favorite.

Leonard Bernstein and the FBI: Fear and Music in 1950’s America

Leonard Bernstein used music and the university stage to resist Cold War interference with his beliefs and values, writes Stephen Whitfield of Brandeis.

Bernstein’s Poem for Yom Kippur (Audio)

Written in Hebrew for his teacher in Tel Aviv, "Poem for Yom Kippur," captures Leonard Bernstein's devotion to, and struggle with, his Jewish identity. Actress Laila Robins reads.

Bernstein on Koussevitzky: Passing the Tanglewood Baton (Audio exclusive)

Leonard Bernstein says Olga Koussevitzky hadn't mentioned Serge's failing health on the phone; yet, somehow he "knew" that he had to rush back to Boston. Bernstein got one last chance to talk with his beloved conducting mentor. Listen to this exclusive audio clip of Bernstein.

Life is Juicy: A Poem by Leonard Bernstein, 1947 (Audio exclusive)

Actor Jeremy Irons reads "Life is Juicy," a poem written by Leonard Bernstein in 1947 "on the mucky shore" of a lake near Tanglewood.

Understanding Serge Koussevitzky and Leonard Bernstein: A Primer

So how did Leonard Bernstein meet Serge Koussevitzky, and how did Koussevitzky decide to take Bernstein under his wing? Find out more in this primer.

Bernstein on Koussevitzky, the Boston Symphony’s “Benign Tyrant” (Audio Exclusive)

Leonard Bernstein describes Serge Koussevitzky to interviewer John Gruen during the summer of 1967. Listen to tapes Gruen recorded as notes for his biography of Bernstein, made available to the public this year, only on Classical.org, official digital partner of the Bernstein Centennial.

Leonard Bernstein and Isaac Stern: Decades of Collaborative Musical Excellence

Leonard Bernstein and American violinist Isaac Stern shared decades of musical collaborations, producing some of the best moments in orchestral history. Enjoy this review in photos, text, and sound on Classical.org.

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