Leonard Bernstein, Teacher Extraordinaire

Leonard Bernstein (25 August 1918 – 14 October 1990) was many things: pianist, conductor, composer, champion of other American composers, mentor, philanthropist, author, and, most importantly in my opinion, educator. As impressive as all his other roles and accomplishments were, he influenced a whole generation of children and taught them how to appreciate – to love – music.

His first television lecture on classical music was in 1954 on the arts and humanities program Omnibus (hosted by Alastair Cooke). Using the Symphony of the Air to demonstrate musical passages Bernstein discussed Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. This was the first of ten lectures on various aspects of music such as jazz, modern music, and the art of conducting. We are fortunate to have these in our DVD library.

Two weeks after being named Music Director for the New York Philharmonic in 1958 Bernstein conducted his first Young People’s Concert. He would conduct 53 concerts over the course of fourteen years, even after he stepped down as Music Director. The programs were based on music the Philharmonic would be performing that season, with Bernstein writing the scripts for the shows. His ability to explain complex musical concepts while never dumbing-down the information made these shows as interesting for adults as they were for children. There is a DVD/Blu-ray set of 52 concerts now available. (On our DVD wish list.)

In 1972 Bernstein became the Norton Professor of Poetry at Harvard University (his alma mater). Part of the requirement was that he deliver six public lectures, which he did in the fall of 1973. The lecture was given live and then it was recreated in the studio for release to television (in 1976). These are also on DVD (which we have). Although sometimes I can’t remember what I had for dinner last night, I clearly remember that in 1978 I had to work on a Saturday to help catch up on some work at the insurance company where I was employed and I was fortunate enough to hear one of these lectures being broadcast on our local classical radio station. I was staggered at the high level of the subject matter being presented and the fact that I could understand it. That was due much more to Maestro Bernstein’s talent than my abilities.

Here is a 12 minute clip of a Young People’s Concert from 1964 entitled “What Is Melody?” The whole program is also on YouTube, as are many other shows. Try them out. You’ll be entertained as well educated.