About this episode

Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Leonard Bernstein, highlighting his contributions to American culture and music.

Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Leonard Bernstein – conductor, composer, educator and one of the most recognisable figures in American cultural life. From his student years at Harvard and the influential friendships that helped launch his career, to his breakthrough as a young conductor and his success on Broadway, Bernstein combined a rare range of talents with a gift for public communication. His story encompasses symphonies and musicals, Hollywood and television, artistic triumphs and professional setbacks. Alongside his achievements ran a complex personal life, shaped by his marriage to Felicia Montealegre, his struggles with identity, and an enduring commitment to political and charitable causes. Through his music, we follow a figure who helped define American music in the twentieth century. Music featured includes: West Side Story – America Divertimento Anniversaries – I. For Aaron Copland Serenade after Plato’s Symposium – IV. Agathon Clarinet Sonata – 2nd movement Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety" – Epilogue On the Town – New York, New York Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah" Three Dance Episodes from On the Town Fancy Free – Finale Slava! A Political Overture…

People in this episode

Host: Donald Macleod

Topics covered

• Leonard Bernstein
• American music
• conducting
• Broadway
• personal life
• political causes

Keywords

• Leonard Bernstein
• music
• conductor
• composer
• Broadway
• American culture
• political causes
• symphonies
• musicals

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: West Side Story, Divertimento Anniversaries, Serenade after Plato’s Symposium, Clarinet Sonata, Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety", On the Town, Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah", Three Dance Episodes from On the Town, Fancy Free, Slava! A Political Overture

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