Leonard Bernstein

by Humphrey Burton

The definitive biography of one of the most influential, flamboyant, and multifaceted musical talents of the 20th century, a man whose concert hall performances inspired generations of musicians and music lovers, and whose theatrical triumphs dazzled Broadway.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Biography Memoir, Classical Music

594 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Lee Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Oh, to be young, rich, and successful!” Having been none of the three, I can hardly relate to the amazing life led by Leonard Bernstein. This book manages to remain fascinating, even gripping, throughout every stage of Bernstein’s life, and it is a tribute to the author’s talent and wisdom that he is able to reveal and portray Bernstein’s high and lows, generosity and selfishness, brilliance and deceit, within a compelling narrative that is as evenhanded as it is admiring. It’s also an excellent history of mid-twentieth century American music, in particular Bernstein’s important relationship with Copland, his impact on the Broadway musical, and Bernstein’s own role as a composer. An enthralling and important book.

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew very little about Leonard Bernstein before reading this book, and it was really interesting. However, I wish it would have focused more on his professional life. The author wouldn't have to squeeze such a career into such a limited space if he hadn't worried about who was sleeping with who and all that crap.

[Breana Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic - reads like historical fiction. You'll be dreaming of Tanglewood after reading this book!

[Georgie Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like how he's very much in love with Bernstein but isn't afraid to call him out for being a bit of a pretentious rabble-rouser. Definitely the definitive book I've read on him!

[Tony Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brick of a book, some 700 small font pages, detailing the 72 years of Maestro Leonard Bernstein, composer, conductor, family man, and larger than life personality who died in 1990. Burton worked closely with Bernstein for over thirty years, and with the co-operation of his family, many friends, and lots of associates, wrote a compelling and entertaining official account of the Maestro's life. I first became aware of Bernstein watching a BBC documentary of his DG recording of West Side Story in the 1980's, with Kiri Te Kanawa and Jose Carreras, and I have enjoyed his music frequently since, in the concert hall, and on recording. The book possibly is a little uneven in part and would leave musicologists frustrated and non-musicians bored, but that is a minor irritation. It has taken me a long time to read this, but as background to the over-the-top life of America's greatest musician of the 20th century it has been fascinating.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m so interested in people and their lives that I’ll struggle through such a book as this.
It’s like a big diary, describing concert after concert etc. for 533 pages!
I think also, that I was not sympathetic to the character of Bernstein as well, he seemed quite superficial. Although I was impressed with his liberal values and his support for causes.
There’s another book on Bernstein by Meryl Secrest (I think that name is right). I know Secrest can be a difficult writer, but I would make a blind recommendation towards that book, as I’m sure it couldn’t be as clotted as Burton’s. Which I’m quite wavering at rating it 2 and a half stars.

[Ann Woodbury Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lengthy (nearly 600-page) biography is the definitive work on 20th-century composer, conductor and pianist Leonard Bernstein. Burton, a personal acquaintance, is able to keep the book from becoming a tedious recitation of dates, places and events by interspersing reminiscences and comments from a wide variety of people both living and dead, all thoroughly documented. Even skimming it (which I resorted to occasionally) produces an interesting and entertaining look at this amazingly well-traveled, busy, superhuman individual.

[Maximilian Gerboc · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly well researched biography of one of, if not the, most important American musician of the 20th century. If all you know is West Side Story or Bernstein’s work as the conductor of the NY Phil, definitely read this book. Apart from the details surrounding Bernstein’s immensely complicated politics, sexuality, family life, and celebrity, this biography really delves into what it means to be a great conductor, composer, pedagogue, and creator.

[Rochelle Goren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good biography of Leonard Bernstein. The reason I did not rate it higher was that it was overloaded with names, dates, etc. and I was not familiar with most of those specifics. Therefore, the details did nothing to enhance Mr. Bernstein's life for me. These specifics "dragged down" the book. However, if you need or want those details, then this would be a great book for you.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the recent film Maestro as inspiration, I read this so I could fill in the timeline. And what a line it is! Burton has a difficult task in the later chapters since much of the text is reduced to paragraph upon paragraph of the exhausting schedules each year of LB's conducting and composition. However, one certainly learns many key details, some might say too many, of this extraordinary life truly well lived.

[Daniel Nagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burton shares the life of Leonard Bernstein in a way that opens you into the world of a global sensation whose every moment was spent loving life. We’re taken on a tumultuous musical journey filled with laughter, regret, ambition, and, of course, love. Makes you want to play piano through the wee hours of morning, attend live performances, and listen to the world of music and teaching gloriously captured for decades of Bernstein’s life.

[Charles Staley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this authorized biography and then read the unauthorized biography. published at about the same time. I have to say that it was unsettling to read the unauthorized version as it seemed like a tell all Hollywood novel. This biography gets it right.

[K.D. Putnam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the details are hard to keep up with but otherwise, this is an incredible portrait of LB's life. The good AND the bad. Enjoyable read as someone with a degree in music. Might be cumbersome for folks with less background.

[Bryan King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive look at the life of Leonard Bernstein (Lenny, to his family and friends), an extraordinary musician: conductor, composer, pianist and teacher who lived his life conflicted about his sexuality and what he wanted to be (a conductor or composer). Very interesting read.

[Andrew Spitznas · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as I can tell, this is the best Bernstein bio available, so it'll do. However, Burton focuses more on the month by month details of LB's life, while a deeper look at his artistic style, relationships, and psychology are lacking.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though written just three years after Bernstein's death, this is still the definitive recounting of his life. It's excellent.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a good biography. Well researched; well written.

[Jan De Meulder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing personality.
Can imagine a better biography.

[Kathy Burden · Rating 3 out of 5]

You have to be REALLY interested in this artist to get through this book. But I enjoyed it, and learned a lot about musical theater and classical music in general.

[Pamela Okano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous biography of Leonard Bernstein. Although it's long, it's an easy read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read part I, but I get the idea! 😆

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonard Bernstein was one of the most passionate people in the past 50 years and it's fit that Burton has created a biography that is is just as passionate. In fact, I'm sure this book could have been doubled in size with all the things Bernstein did in his 72 years. He touched almost every single part of musical life and did so because he always had a yearning to create and then go on to educate what he learned. I never got a chance to meet Bernstein, but I'm sure I would have been just as enthralled as everyone else was. Hell, I don't even like musicals, but his love of them makes you get swept up by his love of music in general. We need more people like that, not just in the classical world but all around.

So a good biography and if you are interested in Bernstein, this is the one to read. Even the more salacious pasts are written with care and love by someone who really admired the man.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

[From my Master of Music thesis proposal:]

As a twentieth-century composer living both in the academic world and the public eye, Bernstein was the subject of significant scholarly study both during his lifetime and has been in the years since his death. Humphrey Burton’s Leonard Bernstein was commissioned by the Leonard Bernstein Estate in 1991. The Estate granted exclusive access to the Bernstein Archive, and he heavily relied on it to construct his narrative. A former BBC producer and radio personality, Burton knew Bernstein personally and served as producer and director for several of the composer’s television works. The biography does not include musical examples, however it provides a strong narrative of Bernstein’s life and includes extensive endnote citations.

[Kathrin Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a model biography. It is extremely well written, entertaining but does not shy away from tackling potentially controversial areas like the Black Panther episode. But above all, it manages to reveal Leonard Bernstein as one of the most talented and interesting artists of the 21st Century. In wrting about Bernstein's life, it also portrays the development of America and Israel vividly. A great read.

[Kem · Rating 4 out of 5]

He's not always likable, but he IS always fascinating. I went through a period where I read about the people who shaped our artistic vision during the middle of the 20th century and he is at the top of that list.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very thick and I had to return it to the library before I finished it. I am not sure I will borrow it again; not because I didn't like it and not because I didn't like Leonard Bernstein, but because it was daunting.

[Collin Studer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The man was certainly interesting and a wonderful musician. Burton includes many stories which paint a vivid picture, but at times, the stories and information become redundant. A great biography nonetheless.

[Pat evert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in hardcover. A wonderful look into the private life of this talented man of many faces.

[Alex Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of my favorite biographies ever.