Leonard Bernstein in Context

A wide-ranging introduction to one of the twentieth century's most famous cultural icons: pianist, conductor, composer and educator Leonard Bernstein.

From his early education, through his conducting and composing careers, to his fame as musical and cultural ambassador to the world, this book introduces Bernstein the man and the artist and provides fascinating insights into American classical music and musical theatre culture during Bernstein's long career in the public spotlight.Designed for students, aficionados of classical music, and historians, this volume offers a wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary and comprehensive view of one of the most important musicians of the twentieth century at his 100th anniversary. Scholars from diverse backgrounds and fields have contributed rich insights into Bernstein's life and work in an approachable style, shedding light on Bernstein's social, professional and ideological contexts including his contemporaries and rivals on Broadway, his artistic collaborations, his celebrity status as a conductor on the international concert circuit, and his involvement in music education via broadcasting. From his early education, through his conducting and composing careers, to his fame as musical and cultural ambassador to the world, this book views Bernstein the man and the artist and provides a fascinating overview of American classical music culture during Bernstein's long career in the public spotlight.