NRR Project: Leonard Bernstein’s debut with the New York
Philharmonic
Nov. 14, 1943
Leonard Bernstein is the best-known and most honored conductor in American history. His commanding presence, supreme interpretive skills, and ease of communication made him a master of classical music in performance. He vaulted to overnight fame after this concert.
Bernstein was a newly hired, 25-year-old assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic. On Nov. 14, 1943, a Sunday afternoon concert by the orchestra was scheduled at New York’s Carnegie Hall, set to be broadcast live on CBS radio. The guest conductor, Bruno Walter, became ill. The Philharmonic’s regular conductor, Arthur Rodzinski, was snowed in miles from the venue. It was up to Bernstein to lead the orchestra – without a single rehearsal.
Bernstein delivered. The program featured Schmann’s “Manfred” Overture, Rozsa’s Theme, Variations, and Finale, Strauss’ “Don Quixote,” and Wagner’s Prelude to “Die Meistersinger.” Hearing the selections today, it is remarkable how assured he seems with these not-so-easy pieces. The orchestra responds magnificently to his direction. The audience in the hall and those listening at home were amazed by Bernstein’s confidence and vitality. He received the plaudits of the crowd.
Bernstein would go on to become the music director of the orchestra, and would play world-wide. His numerous televised Concerts for Young People turned a whole generation of children onto classical music. Then, as a composer he created everything from symphonies to choral works to musicals such as On the Town and West Side Story. His remarkable career started with this pinch-hit triumph, which propelled him to the headlines of newspapers around the country.
The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: Johnny Mercer sings ‘Ac-cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive’.
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