The Jewish Music of Leonard Bernstein

Presented by Hazzan David F. Tilman

            This year, 2017-2018, the Centennial of Leonard Bernstein’s birth is being celebrated by performing groups, orchestras, opera companies, choirs, and academic institutions all over the world.  Maestro Bernstein was an incredibly versatile musician, known for his major contributions as world class composer in a multiplicity of styles, virtuoso pianist, and orchestra conductor of the highest calibre! 

            Born into an orthodox Jewish home, Maestro Bernstein was raised in a Conservative synagogue in the Boston area.  He was educated at Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Boston Latin School, Harvard University, Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, and at the Tanglewood Music Center.

            Maestro Bernstein put his Jewish identity in many of his compositions. At least 20 Bernstein works contain Jewish musical elements, motifs, themes, contents, and theology, reflecting his upbringing, education, and identity. This lecture examines several of these works, including the Jeremiah Symphony, Chichester Psalms, Hashkiveinu, Yigdal, Simchu Na, and even West Side Story, Candide, and MASS.

            The lecture is illustrated by musical recordings and photographs contained in a powerpoint presentation and in a distributed handout.

            The class participants are invited to sing Maestro Bernstein’s setting of Yigdal and other Jewish musical motifs found in his works.