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by Susan Goldman Rubin
Grade 7 and up
Rubin, S. G. (2011). Music was it: Young Leonard Bernstein. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.
Review: Leonard Bernstein was a fascinating and complex person whose life story, particularly toward the end when he was dealing with substance abuse, is difficult to translate for a young adult audience. Rubin wisely focuses on Bernstein's early life, with an emphasis on his immense energy and prodigy. The story begins with Bernstein's early childhood and ends with his stunning triumph as a substitute conductor of the New York Philharmonic after years of musical struggle.
One aspect of Bernstein's life that students may find especially compelling, and a theme that Rubin drives home repeatedly, is that Bernstein's difficult father was quite unsupportive of his son's musical interests. In fact, his father wished him to inherit the family business, and much of Bernstein's early life was set in opposition to his father. (His mother was more supportive, making sure young Lenny was supplied with a piano and encouragement.) That he persisted at all is evidence of his great enthusiasm for music. Music was IT amusingly relates tales of his late-night banging on the piano—and bang he did, for he was a very percussive piano player—which drove his family and friends bonkers. (Students will realize what a boon to family life the digital piano is!) And though Bernstein's father does come around to appreciate his son, it is only grudgingly and with many difficult encounters behind them.
Students who are not inclined to be interested in music may bog down in some of the more detailed sections of the book, outlining Bernstein's journey through various schools of music and mentors, along with typical student poverty. It is not likely that most young students today will experience a frisson of excitement in learning about his associations with Koussevitsky, Copland, Comden and Green, and other big names in 20th-century music, but these are fascinating revelations for those who are interested in such matters.
Regardless of whether students are fascinated by music itself, Rubin's excellent and readable book will successfully impart an appreciation that Leonard Bernstein was a genius and that his persistence in the face of opposition is an excellent lesson in believing in oneself.—Wendy Nelson, 2015
KIRKUS REVIEW
An
impeccably researched and told biography of Leonard Bernstein’s musical
apprenticeship, from toddlerhood to his conducting debut with the New York
Philharmonic at age 25. Rubin traces Lenny’s education, musical influences and
enduring friendships. Lenny reveled in mounting elaborate musical productions
in Sharon, Mass., his family’s summer community. As a student, he augmented
support from his family by giving lessons, accompanying singers, transcribing
music and more; the narrative sparkles with details that match its
subject’s energy and verve. Especially crystalline are the links drawn
between father Sam’s decades-long dismissal of his son’s musical gifts and the
consequential importance of mentors and supportive teachers in the young man’s
life. In exploring Lenny’s devout Jewish roots and coming of age during
the persecution of Jews in Europe, the author reveals how dramatically
Bernstein altered the landscape for conductors on the American scene. In an
epilogue sketching Bernstein’s later life, she briefly mentions his
bisexuality, marriage and children. Drawn from interviews, family memoirs and
other print resources, quotations are well-integrated and assiduously
attributed. Photos, concert programs, early doodles and letters, excerpts from
musical scores and other primary documentation enhance the text. Excellent
bookmaking—from type to trim size—complements a remarkable celebration of a
uniquely American musical genius. (chronology, biographical sketches, author’s
note, discography, bibliography, quotation sources, index) (Biography.
9-12)
Teaching Ideas
(VA Music SOLs [music history] 7.7, 8.7, MIB.19, MII.18, MIAD.18, MG.17, MCB.7, MCI.7, MCAD.7, HG.6, HIB.19, HII.18, HIAD.20, HIAR.20, HCB.7, HCI.7, HCAD.7, HCAR.7; VA English SOLs [nonfiction texts] 7.6, 8.6, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5)
Musical Impressions Writing Prompt
Have students choose (or choose for them) an example of one of the music compositions mentioned in Music was IT that Leonard Bernstein had a strong opinion about but did not write himself. Students will listen to a recording of this work and, as it is playing, write freely about what they are hearing and experiencing. The idea is to let ideas flow without self-editing. After listening and writing, students should look again at what Bernstein thought (researching more detail if necessary) and reflect on whether they share his view.
Jewish Themes in Bernstein's Life
Leonard Bernstein was raised in a deeply religious Jewish home by Russian-Ukrainian immigrant parents. His first musical experiences were in the synagogue, and his compositions often have sometimes subtle but clear Jewish references. For example, the sounds heard at the beginning of the musical West Side Story echo the shofar. Have students read an article about Leonard Bernstein's Judaic roots and his music, and discuss the events in his life and in the world at large (e.g., anti-Semitism and the Holocaust) that strongly influenced his work.
Jewish roots in Leonard Bernstein's work: http://www.milkenarchive.org/people/view/all/598/Bernstein,+Leonard
Bernstein and Faith: https://www.carnegiehall.org/bernstein/leonardbernstein/faith.aspx
Bernstein as Teacher and TV Personality
One of the things Leonard Bernstein is most famous for, besides his works, is his ability to explain great musical compositions to the general public. His lectures and Young People's concerts were shown on television to great acclaim. Show students Bernstein's first television appearance at age 35 in 1954, where he deconstructs Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Bearing in mind how much television has changed, have students discuss what made Bernstein interesting to an average American audience at the time. If he were 35 today, would he still be famous for his television appearances, assuming they were modernized?
Bernstein's first television appearance: https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/Bernstein-Explains-Beethoven-s-Fifth-Part-1
Bernstein the Educator: https://www.carnegiehall.org/bernstein/leonardbernstein/theeducator.aspx
Have students choose (or choose for them) an example of one of the music compositions mentioned in Music was IT that Leonard Bernstein had a strong opinion about but did not write himself. Students will listen to a recording of this work and, as it is playing, write freely about what they are hearing and experiencing. The idea is to let ideas flow without self-editing. After listening and writing, students should look again at what Bernstein thought (researching more detail if necessary) and reflect on whether they share his view.
Jewish Themes in Bernstein's Life
Leonard Bernstein was raised in a deeply religious Jewish home by Russian-Ukrainian immigrant parents. His first musical experiences were in the synagogue, and his compositions often have sometimes subtle but clear Jewish references. For example, the sounds heard at the beginning of the musical West Side Story echo the shofar. Have students read an article about Leonard Bernstein's Judaic roots and his music, and discuss the events in his life and in the world at large (e.g., anti-Semitism and the Holocaust) that strongly influenced his work.
Jewish roots in Leonard Bernstein's work: http://www.milkenarchive.org/people/view/all/598/Bernstein,+Leonard
Bernstein and Faith: https://www.carnegiehall.org/bernstein/leonardbernstein/faith.aspx
Bernstein as Teacher and TV Personality
One of the things Leonard Bernstein is most famous for, besides his works, is his ability to explain great musical compositions to the general public. His lectures and Young People's concerts were shown on television to great acclaim. Show students Bernstein's first television appearance at age 35 in 1954, where he deconstructs Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Bearing in mind how much television has changed, have students discuss what made Bernstein interesting to an average American audience at the time. If he were 35 today, would he still be famous for his television appearances, assuming they were modernized?
Bernstein's first television appearance: https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/Bernstein-Explains-Beethoven-s-Fifth-Part-1
Bernstein the Educator: https://www.carnegiehall.org/bernstein/leonardbernstein/theeducator.aspx
Music and Lyrics
Leonard Bernstein was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest lyricists in American music history. For example, none other than Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics for West Side Story. Play one of Bernstein's more famous songs such as "New York, New York" or "America." Share the lyrics with the students. Talk about them as poetry and discuss how they fit the often mixed-meter compositions of Bernstein. (For example, note the way the syllables punctuate the beat in "I want to live in A-mer-i-ca.") Let students try writing new lyrics for these songs. Let them pick a subject they like or one that is relevant to a subject of study, but make sure the lyrics fit the melody, the beat, and the rhyme scheme! Students will find that it is harder than they think.
Father and Son Letter-Writing
In the early 20th century, family members communicated via letter-writing more often than by telephone. Music Was IT includes some great excerpts of letters written by Sam Bernstein to his son and vice versa, and more are available from the sites listed in Further Explorations. Knowing what a difficult relationship they had, and using ideas, evidence, and examples from the book, have students write a letter from the perspective of either Sam or Leonard Bernstein to the other. The letter should be persuasive and a plea for understanding of the position of the letter-writer. For example, Sam can make a case why his son should come work for him, and Leonard can ask for his father's support for his music career.
Further Explorations
Leonard Bernstein Official Website
This official site contains copious information about Bernstein the person, educator, composer, and conductor, including guides and audio excerpts for each of his musical works.
The Library of Congress Leonard Bernstein Collection
This online collection contains 85 photographs, 177 scripts
from the Young People's Concerts, 74 scripts from the Thursday Evening
Previews, and over 1,100 pieces of correspondence.
The Official West Side Story website
This website is devoted to what is almost certainly Bernstein's best-loved and best-known work, his great musical West Side Story.
On the Town movie clips
The 1949 movie featuring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, among other stars, showcases the effervescent joy of Bernstein's music. Three sailors have just one day to see all of New York City, and maybe find love.
Carnegie Hall: Bernstein: The Best of All Possible Worlds
This website, the online component of a 2008 concert series, is an extensive source of Bernstein virtual exhibits, articles, and music clips.
What Happened to Leonard Bernstein's Hands?
http://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2010/12/21/132200010/what-happened-to-leonard-bernsteins-hands
Bernstein could be a very dynamic conductor, but sometimes, as this interview and video make clear, he did not even use his hands. But why? And was he really conducting with only his facial expressions?
The Last Days of Leonard Bernstein
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/16/arts/the-last-days-of-leonard-bernstein.html?pagewanted=1
Students who complete Music was IT may be wondering about the end of Leonard Bernstein's life as well. This elegiac remembrance from the New York Times was written days after Bernstein's death.
Bernstein, L. (1959). The joy of music. New York: Simon and Schuster. (available in many reprint editions)
Aaron Copland: What to Listen for in Music
Copland, A. (2002). What to listen for in music. New York, N.Y: Signet Classic.
The Leonard Bernstein Letters
Bernstein, L. and Simeone, N. (2013). The Leonard Bernstein letters. Hartford, CT: Yale University Press.
Bernstein was an extremely enthusiastic letter writer who saved all of his correspondence. This 624-page anthology showcases the very best and most interesting of his letters and provides great insight into the man himself. This is a great resource for the letter-writing or musical impressions writing prompts in the Teaching Ideas section above.
Something's Coming, Something Good: West Side Story and the American Imagination
What Happened to Leonard Bernstein's Hands?
http://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2010/12/21/132200010/what-happened-to-leonard-bernsteins-hands
Bernstein could be a very dynamic conductor, but sometimes, as this interview and video make clear, he did not even use his hands. But why? And was he really conducting with only his facial expressions?
The Last Days of Leonard Bernstein
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/16/arts/the-last-days-of-leonard-bernstein.html?pagewanted=1
Students who complete Music was IT may be wondering about the end of Leonard Bernstein's life as well. This elegiac remembrance from the New York Times was written days after Bernstein's death.
Partner Titles
Leonard Bernstein: The Joy of MusicBernstein, L. (1959). The joy of music. New York: Simon and Schuster. (available in many reprint editions)
Aaron Copland: What to Listen for in Music
Copland, A. (2002). What to listen for in music. New York, N.Y: Signet Classic.
The Leonard Bernstein Letters
Bernstein, L. and Simeone, N. (2013). The Leonard Bernstein letters. Hartford, CT: Yale University Press.
Bernstein was an extremely enthusiastic letter writer who saved all of his correspondence. This 624-page anthology showcases the very best and most interesting of his letters and provides great insight into the man himself. This is a great resource for the letter-writing or musical impressions writing prompts in the Teaching Ideas section above.
Something's Coming, Something Good: West Side Story and the American Imagination
Berson, M. (2011). Something's coming, something good: West Side Story and
the American imagination. Montclair, NJ: Applause Books.
A theater critic tackles this critical, comprehensive look at one of the greatest American musicals. A study of Bernstein in class frequently involves a viewing of the iconic movie of West Side Story starring Natalie Wood, and while today's students may struggle a bit with ballet-dancing gang members, most are moved by the story and the music. This book covers aspects of the musical from every angle, including behind-the-scenes stories and discussion of its origins in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers: Leonard Bernstein
A theater critic tackles this critical, comprehensive look at one of the greatest American musicals. A study of Bernstein in class frequently involves a viewing of the iconic movie of West Side Story starring Natalie Wood, and while today's students may struggle a bit with ballet-dancing gang members, most are moved by the story and the music. This book covers aspects of the musical from every angle, including behind-the-scenes stories and discussion of its origins in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers: Leonard Bernstein
Venezia, M. (1998). Getting to know the world's greatest composers: Leonard Bernstein. Danbury, CT: Children's Press.
This short 32-page picture book is for children, but young adults will enjoy it as well. It is from a series by author Venezia, and is full of funny, charming cartoon illustrations that are easily accessible. For students for whom Music is IT might contain too much detail, this book provides a quick, fun introduction to Leonard Bernstein.
This short 32-page picture book is for children, but young adults will enjoy it as well. It is from a series by author Venezia, and is full of funny, charming cartoon illustrations that are easily accessible. For students for whom Music is IT might contain too much detail, this book provides a quick, fun introduction to Leonard Bernstein.
All Resources Listed
Bernstein, L.
(1959). The joy of music. New York: Simon and Schuster. (available in many
reprint editions)
Bernstein, L. and
Simeone, N. (2013). The Leonard Bernstein letters. Hartford, CT: Yale
University Press.
Bos, Carole.
(2015). Bernstein explains Beethoven's fifth: part 1. Available at https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/Bernstein-Explains-Beethoven-s-Fifth-Part-1
Berson, M. (2011). Something's coming, something
good: West Side Story and the American imagination. Montclair, NJ: Applause
Books.
Carnegie Hall:
Bernstein: the best of all possible worlds. (2008). Available at https://www.carnegiehall.org/bernstein/
Carnegie Hall:
Bernstein: the best of all possible worlds: Bernstein and faith. (2008).
Available at https://www.carnegiehall.org/bernstein/leonardbernstein/faith.aspx
Carnegie Hall: Bernstein:
the best of all possible worlds: the educator. (2008). Available at https://www.carnegiehall.org/bernstein/leonardbernstein/theeducator.aspx
Copland, A.
(2002). What to listen for in music. New York, N.Y: Signet Classic.
Gottlieb, J.
(2015). Leonard Bernstein: biography. Available at http://www.milkenarchive.org/people/view/all/598/Bernstein,+Leonard
Krulwich, R.
(2010). What happened to Leonard Bernstein's hands? Available at http://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2010/12/21/132200010/what-happened-to-leonard-bernsteins-hands
Leonard Bernstein
official website. (2015). Available at http://www.leonardbernstein.com
Library of
Congress Leonard Bernstein collection. (2015). Available at http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/bernstein/
Official West Side Story website. (2015).
Available at http://www.westsidestory.com
Rockwell, J.
(Oct. 16, 1990). The last days of Leonard Bernstein. Available at http://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/16/arts/the-last-days-of-leonard-bernstein.html?pagewanted=1
Rubin, S. G. (2011).
Music was it: Young Leonard Bernstein.
Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.
Turner classic movies: On the Town. (2015). Available at http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/355/On-the-Town/videos.html
Venezia, M.
(1998). Getting to know the world's greatest composers: Leonard Bernstein.
Danbury, CT: Children's Press.
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