I'm not really at a musical level where I can truly understand Leonard's Bernstein's profound teaching. Therefore, I cannot say if I totally agree with his overall view and perception. I've always appreciated his clarification on different works when I had the possibility to examine the scores while he was speaking and playing. It certainly deepened my enjoyment of the piece.
Watching him, generously sharing his elaborate concepts of what music is all about, I know that, because of his genius, Leonard had a lot more joy and fun with music than I ever did. But I'm just very grateful that music has been my beloved companion for so many years. All the teachers, composers, artists who helped and kept me on that road, are in my heart and prayers.
And you, Sean, for your Saturday Nights' presentations. Some bring back alive dear memories. Others are pure delight. Merci du fond du coeur!
Hi Sean, Thanks for posting this interesting expose by this erudite artist to the extent I thought I was listening to an enjoyable performance but at the same time exploring the ‘intellectualism’ of musical compositions. It matters little, I would think, there may not be anything new here, or that it was addressed to a naïve Harvard student audience that simply lapped it up. In the end, unashamedly, it was the pure genius of Lennard Bernstein. No one could do it that way or capture one imagination for such a long time as I absorbed it all like an appreciative sponge. You could get most of his lecture from a Book “Confronting Stravinsky”, edited by Jann Paster. But then you only get to read it and not to experience the full show from Lenny. But then you would miss out on his masterly use of words and all the highly subjective assertions, which you can’t help at least respecting as they are so expertly reinforced on the piano. Best wishes
I'm not really at a musical level where I can truly understand Leonard's Bernstein's profound teaching. Therefore, I cannot say if I totally agree with his overall view and perception. I've always appreciated his clarification on different works when I had the possibility to examine the scores while he was speaking and playing. It certainly deepened my enjoyment of the piece.
ReplyDeleteWatching him, generously sharing his elaborate concepts of what music is all about, I know that, because of his genius, Leonard had a lot more joy and fun with music than I ever did. But I'm just very grateful that music has been my beloved companion for so many years. All the teachers, composers, artists who helped and kept me on that road, are in my heart and prayers.
And you, Sean, for your Saturday Nights' presentations. Some bring back alive dear memories. Others are pure delight. Merci du fond du coeur!
Not sure Lennie had more joy and fun with music than you, Claude. I am very glad you enjoy what I enjoy.
DeleteHi Sean,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this interesting expose by this erudite artist to the extent I thought I was listening to an enjoyable performance but at the same time exploring the ‘intellectualism’ of musical compositions. It matters little, I would think, there may not be anything new here, or that it was addressed to a naïve Harvard student audience that simply lapped it up.
In the end, unashamedly, it was the pure genius of Lennard Bernstein. No one could do it that way or capture one imagination for such a long time as I absorbed it all like an appreciative sponge. You could get most of his lecture from a Book “Confronting Stravinsky”, edited by Jann Paster. But then you only get to read it and not to experience the full show from Lenny. But then you would miss out on his masterly use of words and all the highly subjective assertions, which you can’t help at least respecting as they are so expertly reinforced on the piano.
Best wishes
So glad your ears enjoyed what they heard, Lindsay, and that you let me know.
Delete