Leonard Bernstein is arguably the single most influential American musician of the 20th century. Tucson Desert Song Festival’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth is one of many occurring throughout the world in 2018.
As far as we can tell, ours is the biggest, involving 31 events with 15 organizations in 12 venues throughout the Tucson area. His daughter, Jamie Bernstein, is our Artist in Residence. We will explore what made this man tick.
Those of us fortunate enough to have known and worked with him recall a complex personality, a profound artistic and intellectual talent, and a gift for knowing and loving those around him. His charisma could be overwhelming, if not for his equally large gift of charm.
Bernstein succeeded where others — even Gershwin — failed: He truly broke down the barriers between popular music and the classical world. He was fond of saying, “There are only two kinds of music: Good, and Bad!”
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The songs of “West Side Story” and “On the Town” remain some of the best, and best known, of any in the American lexicon; his symphonic works challenge; his educational outreach was unsurpassed; his conducting was truly inspired, a conduit to the composer’s intent. No American professional musician over the age of 50 today was untouched by his passion and love for our art.
He transformed my own view of music making. For 35 years I have strived to live up to his example.
What would he make of all the fuss? Certainly he would be amused. He would also be gratified that his work had the impact he desired: several generations of musicians striving for greatness, not so much for themselves but for the sake of the composers’ intent.
This festival is our way of thanking him.
Tucson Desert Song Festival Executive Director George Hanson, who led the Tucson Symphony Orchestra 19 seasons, was an assistant to Leonard Bernstein.
Cathalena E. Burch
Reporter
