Leonard Bernstein

NAME Leonard Bernstein. Born Louis Bernstein, he later changed his first name to Leonard. To his friends and many others he was simply known as "Lenny."

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Leonard Bernstein is famous for his multifaceted contributions to music as a composer, conductor, pianist, and educator. He is best known for his compositions, including the musical West Side Story, and his groundbreaking work as the conductor of the New York Philharmonic.

BIRTH Leonard Bernstein was born on August 25, 1918, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, United States.

FAMILY BACKGROUND He was the son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Samuel Bernstein and Jennie Resnick. His father worked as a hairdresser and later became a businessman.

CHILDHOOD Bernstein grew up in a culturally rich environment, surrounded by music and literature. He showed early musical talent and began playing the piano at a young age.

One fine day, ten-year-old Leonard Bernstein wandered home from school to find a surprise waiting: a piano courtesy of his Aunt Clara. Now, Leonard wasn't exactly the skipping-rope type. This piano was like a siren song, those black and white keys practically begging to be tinkered with. Before you could say "prodigy in the making," Leonard was banging out tunes and hogging the piano stool whenever possible. Lessons soon followed, of course, because that's how these things work (though with Leonard, you got the feeling the lessons were merely formalities).

EDUCATION His musical education was a bit of a whirlwind. He bounced between various piano teachers, including the ever-patient Helen Coates, who somehow managed to instill musical wisdom for the princely sum of six bucks a lesson. (Side note: Helen later became his secretary, proving once again that the music world is a surprisingly small place.)

By 1935, seventeen-year-old Leonard graduated from Boston Latin School, a place that probably wasn't too thrilled to see the back of such a restless talent. Harvard beckoned, and Leonard, eager as a puppy with a chew toy, enrolled in their music program.

Fast forward four years, and Leonard emerged from Harvard a graduate with honors. He even dipped his toes into the conducting pool for the first time. But the allure of the Big Apple proved too strong. Off he went to New York for the summer, ready to make his mark. Here, he found himself accompanying a comedy troupe called The Reviewers. Picture this: a young Leonard Bernstein, surrounded by witty playwrights and future stars like Judy Holliday, all making beautiful music together. It was a summer to remember, that's for sure.

Harvard was a great launching pad, but Leonard craved more. So, he headed to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where the esteemed Fritz Reiner took him under his wing and taught him the finer points of conducting. This proved to be a pivotal move.

CAREER RECORD Bernstein's career was distinguished by his versatility and innovation. Here's his resume: 

Assistant conductor of the New Philharmonic Orchestra (1943)

Music director of the New York Philharmonic (1958-1969)

Conducted major orchestras around the world

Composed orchestral works, operas, musicals, and more

Championed the music of Gustav Mahler

Pioneered music education initiatives like Young People's Concerts

APPEARANCE Bernstein was known for his charismatic presence on stage, often described as dynamic and passionate in his conducting style. He had a distinctive appearance, with expressive eyes and in his later years a mane of curly hair.

Bernstein at the piano, annotating a musical score, 1955

FASHION In terms of fashion, Bernstein often wore formal attire while conducting, typically a tuxedo or a suit, reflecting the traditional dress code for conductors.

CHARACTER Bernstein was characterized by his boundless energy, enthusiasm, and intellectual curiosity. He was deeply committed to advancing music education and promoting cultural understanding through music.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Bernstein had a playful and irreverent sense of humor, which he often infused into his music and performances. He was known for his witty remarks and engaging stage presence.

RELATIONSHIPS Bernstein married the Chilean-born American actress Felicia Cohn Montealegre on September 10, 1951, a decision shrouded in some speculation (some say it was to quell rumors about his sexuality). Their relationship wasn't always smooth sailing, and in 1976, Leonard finally acknowledged his true feelings, leaving Felicia for a time. Sadly, Felicia was diagnosed with cancer soon after, and Leonard returned to care for her until her passing on June 16, 1978.

They had three children: Nina, Jamie, Alexander. 

Leonard and Felicia Bernstein leaving for Israel, 1957. By The Library of Congress, Wikipedia

Bernstein had many close relationships with musicians, composers, and artists throughout his life. He also had significant professional collaborations with artists such as Aaron Copland and Stephen Sondheim.

Bernstein was not related to film composer Elmer Bernstein, but the two men were friends, and even shared a certain physical similarity.

He was close to the Kennedy family. After Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1968, Bernstein conducted at the funeral mass.

MONEY AND FAME Bernstein achieved considerable fame and success in his career, becoming one of the most celebrated conductors and composers of the 20th century. However, he was more focused on his artistic pursuits than personal wealth. He used his platform to advocate for social causes

FOOD AND DRINK Bernstein enjoyed fine dining and was known to appreciate gourmet cuisine. He also had a fondness for entertaining guests at his home, where he would often host elaborate dinner parties.

MUSIC AND ARTS As a composer and conductor, Bernstein had a profound impact on the world of music and the performing arts. His compositions combined elements of classical music, jazz, and musical theater, creating a unique and vibrant style that resonated with audiences around the world.

At fourteen, Leonard Bernstein embarked on a life-changing pilgrimage: his first orchestral concert. The Boston Pops Orchestra, conducted by the legendary Arthur Fiedler, filled the air with music, and young Leonard's heart with a newfound purpose. From that day on, he was hooked.

In 1943, fate (and maybe a dash of talent) intervened. Leonard landed a last-minute conducting gig with the New York Philharmonic. The concert was broadcast live across the nation, and let's just say America fell in love with this energetic young maestro. Offers started pouring in, and Leonard found himself not only conducting but also composing for various orchestras.

The mid-forties to the fifties were a golden age for Bernstein. He burst onto the Broadway scene with his first musical, On the Town, and followed it up with hits like Wonderful Town and the ever-controversial Candide. But his magnum opus was yet to come.

Enter West Side Story. This collaboration with Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, and Stephen Sondheim was a labor of love. It took them ages to finish, but the wait was worth it. When West Side Story finally premiered on Broadway in 1957, it took the city by storm.

Now, Leonard wasn't your typical conductor. He wasn't content to stand there like a statue. Oh no, his conducting was a full-body experience. A quiet note might elicit a subtle head nod, while a dramatic crescendo would have him flinging his arms about like a windmill in a hurricane. It was electrifying, to say the least.

By 1958, Leonard had reached the pinnacle of orchestral achievement: Music Director of the New York Philharmonic. He held the position for over a decade, but eventually, the composer in him started to itch. He craved more time to write music, explore other projects, and maybe even slow down his conducting theatrics a smidge.

LITERATURE Bernstein had a keen interest in literature and often drew inspiration from literary works in his compositions. 

He was also a talented writer and lecturer, known for his insightful commentary on music and culture. The Joy of Music, Bernstein's first book, was originally published as a hardcover in 1959 by Simon & Schuster.

NATURE Bernstein often had to leave his beloved dachshunds behind when he was on tour and would, to fill the gap, commandeer other people's dachshunds.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Outside of music, Bernstein enjoyed playing tennis and swimming, which he saw as opportunities for relaxation and physical exercise.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Although Bernstein's primary focus was on music, he had a strong interest in science and mathematics, which he occasionally explored in his compositions and lectures.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Bernstein wasn't outwardly religious, but his music often reflected philosophical and theological themes, exploring questions of identity, morality, and human existence through the medium of sound.

SCANDAL Leonard Bernstein's legacy is complex, and there are whispers of a hidden scandal surrounding his sexuality. It was an open secret that he was attracted to men, despite his marriage to Felicia Montealegre. Some biographers believe they entered into a "beard" marriage, a relationship where one partner hides their true sexuality for social acceptance. This aspect of his life never became a public scandal during his lifetime, likely due to the social mores of the era.

MILITARY RECORD Bernstein had asthma, and the condition kept him from serving in the military during World War II.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS He was a sickly child. Leonard suffered badly from hay fever and sometimes turned blue from asthma, which he suffered from  throughout his life. Audiences often heard him wheezing above the orchestra.

Bernstein maintained a rigorous schedule of rehearsals, performances, and conducting engagements throughout his life, which required stamina and physical fitness. However, he struggled with health issues in his later years, including respiratory problems.

HOMES Bernstein spent most of his life in New York City. He and Felicia lived in a spacious apartment on the Upper West Side, a place that became a hub for artistic gatherings. They also owned a farmhouse in Fairfield, Connecticut, which served as a retreat from the city.

TRAVEL Bernstein's career as a conductor involved extensive travel. He conducted major orchestras around the world, bringing his passionate interpretations to audiences across continents. He embraced these opportunities to experience different cultures and share his love of music globally.

DEATH Leonard Bernstein died on October 14, 1990, in his New York apartment at The Dakota, at the age of 72. The cause of death was a heart attack brought on from emphysema, a lung condition he developed from years of heavy smoking.

Bernstein is buried near the summit of Battle Hill at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, next to his wife and with a copy of the score of Mahler's Fifth Symphony lying across his heart. 

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Young People's Concerts (television series): This groundbreaking television program, running from 1958 to 1972, introduced classical music to a whole new generation. Bernstein's engaging and energetic personality made complex musical concepts accessible and exciting for young viewers.

Maestro (2023) chronicles the relationship between Bernstein (played by Bradley Cooper) and his wife, Felicia Montealegre (played by Carey Mulligan).

Numerous recordings and films of his performances: Bernstein's legacy extends beyond television. Recordings of his masterful interpretations of classical works, along with films capturing his electrifying conducting style, continue to be enjoyed by music lovers worldwide.

ACHIEVEMENTS Leonard Bernstein's legacy is defined by his groundbreaking contributions to music as a composer, conductor, and educator. He bridged the worlds of classical music and popular culture, leaving an indelible mark on the art form and inspiring generations of musicians and music lovers.

Bernstein was awarded 16 Grammys for his recordings in various categories including several for recordings released after his death. He was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 1985.