Leonard Bernstein Impact
Michelle Walk
Music 174
Impact presentation
“Music can name the unnamable and communicate the unknowable.”
Leonard Bernstein Leonard Bernstein was born August 25, 1918. Now usually, one would not look for a birth date, rather death. This is treasured because, what is truly important is not only ones life; but also and especially, our founders of music and arts. His death date was October 14, 1990. This presents us with the ideal window of what he achieved during his life span. But, for all the years that Bernstein was in profession, no span of time could successfully capture just how much he has contributed to music as a society and art. Bernstein was a proud graduate of Harvard in 1939 (with prior knowledge in two other institutes of learning), landing him a job just a short year later. Coincidentally, his first career landed him as assistant conductor in the New York Philharmonic in 1940. He had the opportunity to substitute an ill Bruno Walter at Carnegie Hall; which he vicariously accepted, producing instant critical praises. Soon after, various musicians worldwide were pleading him to be a guest conductor at their performances. One in his era may also recognize (following his jumpstarted career) his first successful large scale piece as: Symphony No. 1 Jeremiah (in just 1943).
Being the New York Philharmonic conductor remains one of his most important contributions to music. One of the most vital periods in his career was 1958-1969 where he produced over 300 out of 400 or more lifetime pieces, in just 11 years. Specifically, the young people’s concerts with the New York philharmonic was a televised show that ran for 11 seasons. He inspired the fledgling generations to procure music in their everyday lives with a passion, and also presented audiences to live music programs. He led this into the Philharmonic’s center stage for works, and focused on a strong educational mission to blend with the music. In addition, he produced and performed more
Music 174
Impact presentation
“Music can name the unnamable and communicate the unknowable.”
Leonard Bernstein Leonard Bernstein was born August 25, 1918. Now usually, one would not look for a birth date, rather death. This is treasured because, what is truly important is not only ones life; but also and especially, our founders of music and arts. His death date was October 14, 1990. This presents us with the ideal window of what he achieved during his life span. But, for all the years that Bernstein was in profession, no span of time could successfully capture just how much he has contributed to music as a society and art. Bernstein was a proud graduate of Harvard in 1939 (with prior knowledge in two other institutes of learning), landing him a job just a short year later. Coincidentally, his first career landed him as assistant conductor in the New York Philharmonic in 1940. He had the opportunity to substitute an ill Bruno Walter at Carnegie Hall; which he vicariously accepted, producing instant critical praises. Soon after, various musicians worldwide were pleading him to be a guest conductor at their performances. One in his era may also recognize (following his jumpstarted career) his first successful large scale piece as: Symphony No. 1 Jeremiah (in just 1943).
Being the New York Philharmonic conductor remains one of his most important contributions to music. One of the most vital periods in his career was 1958-1969 where he produced over 300 out of 400 or more lifetime pieces, in just 11 years. Specifically, the young people’s concerts with the New York philharmonic was a televised show that ran for 11 seasons. He inspired the fledgling generations to procure music in their everyday lives with a passion, and also presented audiences to live music programs. He led this into the Philharmonic’s center stage for works, and focused on a strong educational mission to blend with the music. In addition, he produced and performed more
Cited: (direct quotation within text and consulted) Bernstein, Jamie. "Leonard Bernstein: a Born Teacher." Educator. (2008): n. page. Web. 24 Sep. 2012. <http://www.leonardbernstein.com/educator.htm>. "Leonard Bernstein." BrainyQuote.com. Xplore Inc, 2012. 24 September 2012. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/leonard_bernstein.html (within title of document) WORKS CONSULTED: Schiff, David. "Bernstein, Leonard in Oxford Music Online." Bernstein, Leonard. (2008): n. page. Web. 24 Sep. 2012. <http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com.ezproxy.uwc.edu/subscriber/article/grove/music/02883?q=leonard bernstein&search=quick&pos=1&_start=1>. Sputnik, Dr. "Leonard Bernstein." (2012): n. page. Web. 24 Sep. 2012. <http://www.nndb.com/people/532/000031439/>. " Leonard Bernstein." 2012. Biography.com 24 Sep 2012, 10:33 http://www.biography.com/people/leonard-bernstein-9210269 `