Leonard Bernstein: An American Life
Genre: Classical	Dates: 1940's - 1970's

I do not have the expertise to describe Bernstein’s work and importance to my satisfaction, so I will turn it over to the editors of All Music: “As composer, conductor, and educator, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) emerged as one of a handful of figures in the twentieth century who truly changed the face of music. As a composer, Bernstein left a far-reaching legacy that includes three symphonies, a film score of singular distinction, (On the Waterfront), and an important body of stage works, including one of the cornerstones of American musical theater, West Side Story (1957). The first American-born conductor to attain international superstardom, Bernstein made a profound impression on audiences; his podium manner was dynamic, even flamboyant, to an extent never before witnessed. Bernstein's extroverted manner attracted much criticism from those who dismissed him as a mere exhibitionist; his advocates, however, far outnumbered his detractors.” This collection allows you to sample the impressive variety of his output.

Playlist:
1 On the Town, musical: New York, New York                      
2 Fancy Free, ballet: Big Stuff Blues                 
3 Facsimile, Choreographic Essay, for orchestra (from the ballet): [Excerpt]                  
4 Prelude, Fugue & Riffs, for clarinet & jazz ensemble: Riffs (for Everyone)                  
5 On the Town, musical: Pas de deux. Lonely Town                 
6 On the Town, musical: Lucky to Be Me                    
7 Symphony No.1 ('Jeremiah'), for mezzo & orchestra: Lento. Lamentation                  
8 On the Town, musical: Some Other Time                  
9 Fanfare for the Common Man, for brass & percussion (from Symphony No. 3)                     
10 Serenade (after Plato: Symposium), for violin, harp, percussion & strings; also for violin & piano: Aristophanes Allegretto                        
11 Candide, operetta in 2 acts (original version, withdrawn): The Best of All Possible Worlds               
12 Symphony No.2 ('The Age of Anxiety'), for piano & orchestra or 2 pianos: The Masque                 
13 Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major, K. 453: Allegretto                    
14 The Unanswered Question (I & II), for trumpet, winds & string orchestra, S. 50 (K. 1C25)             
15 Symphonic Dances (9) from 'West Side Story', for orchestra (orchestrated with Ramin & Kostal): Somewhere 16 Symphony No. 6 in B minor ('Pathétique'), Op.74: First Movement (excerpt)               
17 I Feel Pretty, song (from 'West Side Story')                        
18 Mathis der Maler, symphony (from opera): Engelkonzert                 
19 Dybbuk, Suite No.2 (Eight Dances), for orchestra: Kabbalah Variations                  
20 West Side Story, musical: Something's Coming                    
21 Songfest, song cycle for 6 singers & orchestra or piano: A Julia de Burgos               
22 Meditations (3) from 'Mass', for cello & orchestra; also for cello & piano: Andante sostenuto. Var. 1-4 - Coda 23 Adagietto, for orchestra (from the Symphony No. 5)                
24 Chichester Psalms, for boy soloist, chorus & orchestra: Psalm 108, 2 / 100             
25 Symphony No. 3: Allegro molto
26 Symphony No. 9 in D minor ('Choral'), Op. 125: Ode to Freedom             
27 Candide, operetta in 2 acts (original version, withdrawn): Make Our Garden Grow
28 Sea Interludes (4) from Peter Grimes, for orchestra, Op. 33a: Dawn