Leonard Bernstein has held the world’s attention ever since his last-minute debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1943, when he became the first American-born conductor to lead a major American orchestra. In the astonishing and vibrant career that followed, Bernstein captured the minds and hearts of classical music lovers of all ages with his televised concerts and educational programs. While he clutched with one hand the ever-present cigarette, he often raised the other in solidarity with social and political causes. And he left us a body of compositions in such varied and timeless genres — songs, symphonies, concerti, musicals, ballets, choral works — all with a distinctly “American” sound.
Now, 34 years after his death at age 72, the generous, energetic, and enigmatic maestro (who loved word puzzles, by the way) returns to the spotlight. Bradley Cooper’s film Maestro opens a new window into the lives of Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre, and offers a film score compiled primarily from Bernstein’s own beautiful compositions — Candide, Chichester Psalms, Mass, and On the Town, to name a few — appetizers that are sure to leave you craving more.
Test your knowledge of Bernstein’s life and music, and enjoy this homage to the maestro.
Maestro – The Bernstein Puzzle – Click here for an interactive puzzle you can fill out in your web browser
Download the puzzle as a printable PDF
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