“Conversations About Bernstein,” edited by William Westbrook Burton, stands as a poignant tribute to the multifaceted genius of Leonard Bernstein, a luminary whose departure in 1990 left an indelible void in the realm of music. This compelling exploration delves into the intricate layers of Bernstein’s life, unraveling the essence of a composer, conductor, and pianist whose influence reverberated globally.
In the wake of Bernstein’s demise, the world was confronted with the astonishing revelation of his retirement from conducting, mere days before his passing. This revelation reverberated globally, eliciting incredulity and shock. Bernstein’s legacy, however, transcends the shockwaves of his untimely departure. As the first American to wield the baton at La Scala and assume the mantle of Music Director for the New York Philharmonic, Bernstein shattered conventions, conferring newfound respect upon American-born musicians. In the words of Tim Page, his decision to forge a career in America resonated as a “declaration of independence” for a generation of musicians.
Burton’s curated collection of interviews unveils the private persona of Bernstein, concealed behind the public veneer of flamboyance and acclaim. The narrative transcends mere hagiography, laying bare the perennial conflicts woven into Bernstein’s personal and professional tapestry. The esteemed assemblage of friends, critics, collaborators, and stage-sharing musicians offers a panoramic view of Bernstein’s life and choices.
The interviews conducted by Burton provide a backstage pass to Bernstein’s world, elucidating not only the pinnacle moments—the electrifying debuts, the adulation for “West Side Story”—but also the valleys of self-doubt and disappointment. Lukas Foss reminisces about Bernstein’s poised yet pressured early days, while Harold Schonberg’s recollections, though relentlessly critical, failed to impede Bernstein’s ascent. Through the lens of Carol Lawrence, the historic production of “West Side Story” is vividly resurrected.
Conductor John Mauceri’s affectionate recollections paint a vivid portrait of Bernstein’s idiosyncratic methods in conducting and composing. The voices of Bernstein’s orchestral companions, including luminaries like Christa Ludwig, Frederica Von Stade, Jerry Hadley, and the legendary Mstislav Rostropovich, weave a rich tapestry of reminiscences about recordings and performances that left an indelible mark on musical history.
The book transcends a mere chronological account, culminating in a nuanced portrayal of Bernstein as a magnanimous conductor and collaborative force in musical theater. Despite global adoration, a poignant revelation surfaces—that Bernstein, at life’s twilight, harbored an unrealized ambition: the creation of a profound masterwork.
In conclusion, “Conversations About Bernstein” is a literary symphony that harmonizes candidness, entertainment, and emotional depth. A captivating chronicle of arguably the most renowned musician of the era, this book, published by Oxford University Press in March 1995, is an invaluable addition to the music and reference genres, offering readers an intimate immersion into the life and legacy of Leonard Bernstein.