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.
Leonard Bernstein takes us from the very beginning of music all the way through the 20th century in the way only he can.
"Did I tell you how we met on his birthday?" Bernstein says to the interviewer. "Oh, I must have!" Listen to Lenny tell the story of meeting Aaron Copland, only on Classical.org. (Plus, read the sonnet he wrote for Aaron's 80th birthday!)
Watch the next installment of the Leonard Bernstein rehearsal video that the world hasn’t seen: Bernstein rehearsing Aaron Copland’s 3rd Symphony with the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, just before his final concert with them on August 14, 1990. (Part 2 of 3)
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.
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.
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Bernstein’s identity as composer and conductor was deeply influenced by a combination of his own Jewish heritage and the place of religion in 20th Century society and culture.
Lenny had a fundamental discomfort with the very notion of a vacation. "And yet sometimes in my period of great activity, I long fiercely for just a period when I don't have to do anything, and I can just lie around and think." Listen to Lenny, in his own voice.
