What was Leonard Bernstein accused of?
Unlike many who risked their careers by invoking the Fifth Amendment to deflect Congress’s attempts to explore their political beliefs, Bernstein blabbed: “Although I have never, to my knowledge, been accused of being a member of the Communist Party, I wish to take advantage of this opportunity to affirm under oath …
Did Leonard Bernstein have any health problems?
Bernstein would retire from performing because of health problems. A heavy smoker for most of his life, he had been suffering from emphysema, pulmonary infections and a pleural tumor.
Was Bernstein a genius?
Bernstein was impossibly brilliant in so many different areas: a genius conductor, composer, author, pianist, thinker, activist, educator and entertainer.
What was Bernstein known for?
Leonard Bernstein, (born August 25, 1918, Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S.—died October 14, 1990, New York, New York), American conductor, composer, and pianist noted for his accomplishments in both classical and popular music, for his flamboyant conducting style, and for his pedagogic flair, especially in concerts for …
How good a pianist was Leonard Bernstein?
Perhaps the best answer was provided by the pianist Arthur Rubinstein, who said of Bernstein: “He was the greatest pianist among the conductors, the greatest conductor among composers, and the greatest composer among pianists. He was a universal genius.”
Did Bernstein speak German?
He was as well-versed in German poetry as he was in English and American poetry. He was one of the most educated people I’ve ever known. Talking to him about art, history and philosophy was never superficial, and that light Anglo-Saxon touch of his was always a true pleasure.
Where are Bernstein pianos made?
The Bernstein Hailun series pianos are manufactured at the Ningbo in China. Since the 1950s this factory has been producing frames and parts for piano manufacturers worldwide.
Did Beethoven smoke a pipe?
Ludwig van Beethoven. Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. “Braun von Braunthal met him in an inn a year later (1826). Beethoven was sitting in a corner with closed eyes, smoking a long pipe – a habit which grew on him more and more as he approached death.
Is Bernstein a good conductor?
Among the most important conductors of his time, he was also the first American conductor to receive international acclaim. According to music critic Donal Henahan, he was “one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history”.