Happy birthday, Leonard Bernstein! As we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the great American composer and conductor on the 25th of this month, we delve into five of Leonard Bernstein’s most important works that showcase his brilliance and versatility.
The Orchestra will perform music by Bernstein in American Classics at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 25 September, and at Cadogan Hall on Wednesday 18 September, with violinist Esther Yoo.
1. West Side Story (1957)
Arguably Bernstein’s most famous work, West Side Story revolutionized musical theatre. This modern retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, set in New York City, combines classical music with jazz, Latin rhythms, and popular music. Songs like 'Maria', 'Tonight', and 'America' continue to captivate audiences in theatres and on screens worldwide.
Music from West Side Story in concert
2. Candide (1956)
Candide is an operetta based on Voltaire’s satirical novella of the same name. While it initially received a lukewarm reception, it has since gained recognition as one of Bernstein’s most important works. The music is witty, complex, and full of energy, reflecting Bernstein’s unique ability to blend humour with sophisticated musical composition. The overture of Candide is particularly famous, often performed as a standalone orchestral piece.
3. Serenade (after Plato’s Symposium) (1954)
Inspired by Plato’s philosophical text Symposium, Bernstein’s Serenade is a violin concerto that explores different aspects of love. The piece is structured as a series of movements, each representing a speech from Plato’s dialogue. The music is both lyrical and intellectually stimulating, reflecting Bernstein’s deep engagement with philosophical ideas and his skill in translating them into musical form.
Bernstein's Serenade at Cadogan Hall
4. Symphony No.2, The Age of Anxiety (1949)
Inspired by W.H. Auden’s poem The Age of Anxiety, Bernstein’s Symphony No.2 is a reflection on the existential concerns of the post-war era. The symphony captures the emotional turbulence of the period, and includes a prominent role for the piano, often which Berstein would often perform on the stage himself. Bernstein wrote that 'the essential line of the poem (and of the music) is the record of our difficult and problematical search for faith.'
5. Symphony No.3, Kaddish (1963)
Dedicated to the memory of President John F. Kennedy, Bernstein’s Symphony No.3, 'Kaddish' is a deeply personal and emotional work. The symphony is named after the Jewish prayer for the dead and features a narrator, a large chorus, and an orchestra. The piece grapples with themes of faith, loss, and reconciliation, showcasing Bernstein’s profound spiritual and philosophical capacities in his music.