Happy birthday weekend Leonard Bernstein

[Partridgeamongstthepigeons]

Utter genius. A thread for anyone who adores him as much as I do

A local (professional) Orchestra near where I live did a 'Bernstein at 100 tribute' concert earlier this year that featured amongst other things, the Candide Overture and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.

This orchestra are superb and I like to support them, but I'm not really into classical music if I'm honest - some things appeal but most of it goes over my head. However I was absolutely blown away by the Bernstein. Seeing and hearing it performed by a live Orchestra was just breathtaking.

Wow that sounds awesome- have you seen the 1984 bbc omnibus of the making of west side story- totally recommend it! As an 11 year old it changed my life!

I havw been enjoying Elaine's tribute. No laughing either.

His music is magnificent. Happy Birthday Leonard, wherever you are now!

Yes HRT just finished listening to it, now watching Bernstein on the BBC on IPlayer. Really looking forward to going to the Proms tomorrow night to see his 2nd Symphony.

Big love for Lenny

Oh my goodness! Didn't realise it was his centenary.

Bernstein conducting his own West Side Story (1984) still has pride of place among in my music collection. It was one of the first cassette albums I bought, when I could barely afford it.

Hmm ...

Sorry to spoil the party - but if they say his name one more time ... I may have to throw the radio out of the window.

Enjoyed The Sound of an Orchestra just now on R3. And the programme on his CIA/FBI (?) file was vaguely interesting. I’m just not sure quite why it’s all being presented as such a treat - when most of his work is already broadcast repeatedly anyway. (For which reason I’ve found the non-theatrical orchestral pieces more worthwhile to listen to.)