From 1958 through 1973, Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic thrilled audiences with wonderful concert experiences presented in a sparkling music-with-commentary format: The Young People's Concert. Viewed nationwide on CBS television, and eventually telecast around the world, The Young People's Concerts turned an entire generation into music lovers. Includes 9 DVDs in this set.
Other Stars: Aaron Copland, William Lewis, Helen Raab, Marni Nixon, Veronica Tyler, Sergiu Luca
In the 1950s, the educational possibilities of television were widely heralded. Even though the medium has proven to be an educational black hole in recent years, the opportunities of reaching the public with cultural events, such as symphonic music, were seized by Leonard Bernstein, conductor of the New York Philharmonic. Taking the educational aspect seriously, Bernstein championed a long series of educational television programs, the Young People's Concerts, bringing an appreciation of classical music into the home, in a way that would be accessible for youngsters and adults alike. Over a period of fifteen years, he and the Philharmonic produced three or four such concerts per year, on a wide variety of subjects. Although the New York Philharmonic had been performing such concerts for three decades, it was Bernstein's innovation of televising the programs that made the series a household word and created an awareness of classical music throughout the world in a way that has never been rivaled in popularity.
This nine-disc treasury collects 25 of the 53 hour-long episodes of this long running series, leaning more heavily toward the earlier episodes. The inception of the series seems to have a structured lesson plan, first attacking the question of what music means and what defines classical music and American music. Things develop into more complexity and depth as he delves into deeper questions of form, such as the symphony, concerto and the sonata forms. Other idioms are given attention as well, with episodes devoted to folk, jazz and latin music in the concert hall. Four episodes are devoted to particular composers, a somewhat idiosyncratic selection of Gustav Mahler, Igor Stravinsky, Dmitri Shostakovitch and Jan Sibelius, all of whom still qualified as modern music at the time of the programs. Music theory winds up with the complex topic of modes, with copious examples of Dorian, Phyrgian, Lydian and Mixolydian modes, with brief references to others. The last few programs are devoted to examinations of particular works, such as Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique, Swan Lake, The Firebird and finally, Beethoven's Fidelio.
Bernstein intersperses musical selections and excerpts with warm discussion of the subject matter. At first he's a bit patronizing, as if the concert were aimed at very young children, giving a somewhat Mr. Rogers feel to the early episodes. Considering the first televised concert occurred only two weeks after becoming music director of the Philharmonic, that's probably not too surprising. This tendency vanishes as the program goes on and Bernstein quickly grows more comfortable with his audience both in the concert hall and across the globe. His choice of musical examples is always acute, frequently deconstructing a piece or a phrase to make a point, using sequences and imitation to develop his themes, forming a parallel to the musical structures themselves. Bernstein's flamboyance probably helped to make him an interesting figure to the countless youngsters introduced to classical music through these shows.
Clearly times have substantially changed culturally; Bernstein is able to assume a certain amount of familiarity with classical chestnuts such as Haydn's Surprise Symphony, which probably will be unfamiliar to any school-age children who haven't been home schooled. But even so the proceedings are generally accessible to musical novices. Despite this accessibility, the discussion always comes from an intriguing perspective, making for fascinating viewing even for those steeped in classical music. The programs are incredibly dense and packed with information; it's difficult to watch more than two or three together without feeling a bit overwhelmed. The programs work much better parceled out with a few days in between, to allow absorption of the concepts and the music, if not a month apart as originally aired. The performances are vivid and comprise enough of the episodes that there is plenty of replay value.
The single-composer programs tend to be a bit heavier on music and a bit lacking in discussion, though Bernstein does a fine job of providing historical and cultural context among the musical insights. Some unannounced guests also pop up, including Aaron Copland guest-conducting his own Third Symphony. Young violinist Sergiu Luva provides a thrilling solo performance of the first movement to Sibelius' violin concerto. The final episode in this set, from 1970, includes a concert performance of selections from Fidelio in celebration of the Beethoven bicentennial in 1970, with explication of the story and skipping over the unlikely romances and getting straight to the good stuff. Even those who dislike the opera will find a lot to like in this presentation.
This epochal series makes for a welcome addition to any DVD library, and hopefully a second volume with the other 28 episodes will be forthcoming before long.
What Does Music Mean?
What is American Music?
What is Orchestration?
What Makes Music Symphonic?
What is Classical Music?
Humor in Music
What is a Concerto?
Who is Gustav Mahler?
Folk Music in the Concert Hall
What is Impressionism?
Happy Birthday, Igor Stravinsky
What is a Melody?
The Latin American Spirit
Jazz in the Concert Hall
What is Sonata Form?
A Tribute to Sibelius
Musical Atoms: A Study of Intervals
The Sound of an Orchestra
A Birthday Tribute to Shostakovich
What is a Mode?
A Toast to Vienna in 3/4 Time
Quiz-Concert: How Musical Are You?
Berlioz Takes a Trip
Two Ballet Birds
Fidelio: A Celebration of Life
Extras
* The one special feature is an 18-page "Special Collector's Edition Episode Guide." This very useful booklet gives a detailed description of each episode, including a brief summary of Bernstein's program and a list of all the different musical pieces played during that episode. It's a helpful reference. |
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