Bernstein, a Biography

by Joan Peyser

Book Overview

This is a candid biography of Leonard Bernstein, covering both his life and his musical career as conductor and composer. Also included is a chapter written after Bernstein's death, with tributes from... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688049184
• ISBN13: 9780688049188
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Beech Tree Paperback Book
• Length: 481 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Should be the last word

Sparing nothing, this bio uncovers the real maestro, excavating what were evidently unknown facts about his sexuality, depressions, relations with his father and sister and wife. This was attacked back in the day, but seems clearly right on target almost 20 years after Bernstein's death. This puts it all together in a comprehensive package that should be a must read for anyone who wants to know the real Lenny.

Could not put it down!

Read this (it seems) in one sitting. Recommended to anyone interested in Bernstein, or in the music of our day.

My Experience Reading Joan Peyser's Bernstein

Few men's lives rise to the status of a myth. In the biography Bernstein, Joan Peyser describes such a man. Leonard Bernstein, the world famous conductor, the American composer, and the eccentric personality, became a myth. Americans remember Bernstein for his didactic "Omnibus" and "Young People's Concert" television programs, his own "West Side Story", his exuberance on the podium, and his charm. Certainly his greatest contribution was to the music world, but he was not limited to the musical venue; Bernstein brought his music and politics to all in the national and international arenas. "Lenny's" life is a myth because he was known and is remembered for his incredible accomplishments and overwhelming talents. His sweep to glory after stepping in to conduct the New York Philharmonic at the last moment seems almost fairy-tale-like. My personal interests in music, and particularly in the field of conducting, had led me to idolize Leonard Bernstein. Here was a man who had both of my interests, music and politics, and had succeeded in juggling both in a professional career; a man with a Harvard education who conducted the major world symphonies. Why shouldn't Leonard Bernstein be my hero? I decided to read about this man who fascinated me. My discovery in Bernstein was profound. The Leonard Bernstein I encountered was not infallible as we hold our heroes to be. Instead he was very human; an epic hero with many tragic flaws. Bernstein from the beginning showed genius. At first, I envied his genius as all ordinary people desire instant understanding and fabulous talent. Yet, as I read further, I learned of an ego and irresponsibility equal to Bernstein's genius. Ms. Peyser's biography is not a subjective attack on Bernstein's flaws, but rather a objective compilation of many acquaintance's opinions and impressions and even some writings of the Maestro himself. The author successfully attempts to portray the complete Leonard Bernstein; to every man there is a shadow, but Bernstein's was particularly dark. Bernstein's egotism extended to the point that he would recreate some of his own past in order to invoke sympathy and increased reverence from his followers. The conductor's sexual promiscuity was widely known to his friends in many circles. This shadow of so great a man was one that I did not want to exist. No one wishes to be disappointed by the actions of his hero. The knowledge that the biography provided me led me to question my own morals. Should a man of great talent and accomplishment be held unaccountable for his actions? Does genius or power justify self-absorption? I say no. Talent, accomplishment, and power are separate entities from moral character. I certainly admire Leonard Bernstein's music, his conducting, and his ability to influence people. His genius, too, fascinates me. Yet this is Leonard Bernstein the myth. Leonard Bernstein, the person, was not a great man. His actions hurt friends, fam