Leonard Bernstein’s New York, New York

On the morning of November 14th, 1943, Leonard Bernstein, the talented 25-year-old assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic, got a phone call saying he would at last be leading the respected orchestral group — in six hours, that afternoon, with no time to rehearse.

He later recalled, “I don’t remember a thing from that moment – I don’t even remember intermission – until the sound of people standing and cheering and clapping.”

The sudden thrust into the spotlight transformed Bernstein into a national celebrity. For almost five decades, the wunderkind would be at the forefront of American music, as a conductor, composer, virtuoso performer, writer, television personality and teacher. 

He would also help create the most important Broadway musicals of the mid-20th century — On The Town, Wonderful Town and West Side Story. These shows would not only spotlight the talents of its young creator. They would also spotlight the romance and rhythm of New York City.

Bernstein is one of New York’s most influential cultural figures. He spent most of his life in the city, and that’s the focus of today’s story – Leonard Bernstein’s New York.

The new film Maestro, starring Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan, focuses on Bernstein’s personal story and intimate life. That specific angle is not our objective today – for the most part.

We’re looking at the relationship between the creator and his urban inspiration. Where did Bernstein make his name in New York City and how did his work change the city?

FEATURING The Village Vanguard, City Center, Carnegie Hall, the old Metropolitan Opera and the Dakota Apartments

And co-starring Jerome Robbins, Aaron Copland, Stephen Sondheim, Comden and Green, Lauren Bacall, Tom Wolfe and, of course Felicia Montealegre

LISTEN TODAY: LEONARD BERNSTEIN’S NEW YORK, NEW YORK

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Music excerpts used in this show:

“On The Town: Act I: Opening: New York, New York” (Studio Cast Recording 1961)

Robert Schumann, Manfred Overture, Op 115 (New York Philharmonic) 

“Joan Crawford Fan Club” The Revuers

Symphony No. 1 Jeremiah (New York Philharmonic)

CBS Broadcast, Don Quixote, Fantastic Variations on a Theme of Knightly Character, op. 35 (New York Philharmonic)

Fancy Free Ballet: VII. Finale

I Get Carried Away, On The Town

Christopher Street (From Wonderful Town Original Cast Recording 1953)

On the Waterfront Main Title (Revised)

Candide, Act II – No. 31, Make Our Garden Grow (Finale)

West Side Story: Act II: Somewhere

Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

Samuel Barber, Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 (New York Philharmonic)

Leonard Bernstein – Young People’s Concerts – What Does Music Mean? (1958)

Kaddish, Symphony No. 3 (To the Beloved Memory of John F. Kennedy): I. Invocation: Kaddish 1

Mass – Hymn and Psalm: A Simple Song: Hymn and Psalm – A Simple Song

Dybbuk Suite No. 2: Leah  (New York Philharmonic)

Leonard Bernstein and Shirley Verrett at GMHC Circus Benefit, Madison Square Garden

Mahler – Symphony No.5

FURTHER LISTENING

Other Bowery Boys podcast which tie in to this week’s show: