Celebrating Leonard Bernstein At 100

Leonard Bernstein, who was born on August 25, 1918, was “the greatest pianist among the conductors, the greatest conductor among composers, the greatest composer among pianists,” Arthur Rubinstein (one of the greatest pianists among pianists) once said, which sounds like a backhanded compliment until Rubinstein added “He is a universal genius.” The breadth of his talents was extraordinary, his achievements wide-ranging: Director of the New York City Symphony from the age of 27, a beloved teacher of classical music to children on TV, he recorded more than 800 albums.

Bernstein, who would have celebrated his centennial today (he died in 1990 at the age of 72), was also one of the greatest figures in Broadway musical theater.

If he was not as prolific nor as focused on theater as many of the other greats, his achievements went beyond just the musical for which he’s best known, West Side Story.

Candide
On The Town
Wonderful Town
Peter Pan
All In One
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (which ran seven performances on Broadway)

Author: New York Theater

Jonathan Mandell is a 3rd generation NYC journalist, who sees shows, reads plays, writes reviews and sometimes talks with people.

Leave a Reply