Leonard Bernstein on Broadway

Course description

Leonard Bernstein, pianist, composer and conductor, is one of the most beloved (and controversial) figures in the musical world of the 20th century. His immense talents, skills and movie star good looks catapulted him to fame at a very early age. He established a solid career in classical music and also threw himself with great gusto into the Broadway scene.

It is this latter aspect of his life and career that is the focus of this course. On the Town, Wonderful Town, Candide and West Side Story, among others, will be considered, as will his ballet scores and incidental music and scores for theatre and movie works.

Videos and film clips will be complemented by live performances.