Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Leonard Bernstein – conductor, composer, educator and one of the most recognisable figures in American cultural life. From his student years at Harvard and the influential friendships that helped launch his career, to his breakthrough as a young conductor and his success on Broadway, Bernstein combined a rare range of talents with a gift for public communication. His story encompasses symphonies and musicals, Hollywood and television, artistic triumphs and professional setbacks. Alongside his achievements ran a complex personal life, shaped by his marriage to Felicia Montealegre, his struggles with identity, and an enduring commitment to political and charitable causes. Through his music, we follow a figure who helped define American music in the twentieth century.

Music featured includes: West Side Story – America Divertimento Anniversaries – I. For Aaron Copland Serenade after Plato’s Symposium – IV. Agathon Clarinet Sonata – 2nd movement Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety" – Epilogue On the Town – New York, New York Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah" Three Dance Episodes from On the Town Fancy Free – Finale Slava! A Political Overture Trouble in Tahiti – Prelude Wonderful Town – Overture; Ballet at the Village Vortex; Wrong Note Rag Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront Prelude, Fugue and Riffs Facsimile – 1st movement West Side Story – Overture Mass – Pax: Communion Candide Overture 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Suite Songfest Four Anniversaries – I. For Felicia Montealegre A Quiet Place – Postlude West Side Story – Tonight Concerto for Orchestra – 3rd and 4th movements Chichester Psalms Arias and Barcarolles – Nachtspiel (Postlude)

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Audio Wales and West

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002y04k.

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z.