Young People's Concerts [Hardcover]

Leonard Bernstein (Author), Isadore Seltzer (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1970

Discusses various aspects of music such as: What is melody? What does music mean? What is classical music? The text is based on Bernstein's television series of young people's concerts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

". . . an outstanding and much-appreciated reprint . . . Very strongly recommended as an informed and informative read . . ." -- The Bookwatch, April 2006

"Almost 50 years later and Bernstein's approach remains remarkably relevant . . . [The book] is an important addition to the Bernstein catalogue." -- Link magazine, Winter 2006

"Engaging, enlightening and beautifully illustrated (by Madeline Sorel) . . ." --The New Haven Advocate, January 19, 2006 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

Back in print for the first time in years, completely re-designed, with new material added, this volume, containing the texts of Leonard Bernstein's memorable concerts for young people, is one of the most significant contributions to music education ever to have been written. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 233 pages
• Publisher: Simon and Schuster; Revised and Expanded edition (1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671206648
• ISBN-13: 978-0671206642
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.7 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,968,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gift to Music, March 26, 2000

By 

Geoffrey Shields - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts - 10-Tape Set [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The series "Young People's Concert", produced and presented by Leonard Bernstein is a great gift to to music itself, and to the world. Here is the Century's most Unique Musician and Teacher, explaining so beautifully and so clearly the joy of music in a way that grasps the attention of all. Every aspect of music is so cleverly presented that everyone, regardless of age, culture or educational background will enjoy and understand. There can be no better way to present music to the world. This video is a MUST see for all families, and it's amazing that EVERY school does not present these gems to all their students.-- Young people would be much better for seeing this. Really, this is great viewing for all the family. A MUST SEE.OVER & OVER AGAIN.

Geoffrey Shields. Kingston, Jamaica (W I).

34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars must see, May 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts - 10-Tape Set [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Just this April I discovered Leonard Bernstein's Young People Concerts. Mr. Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic did a series of television shows over a period of eleven years for CBS. These television shows were designed to teach his audience basic information that will increase their understanding about classical music and their listening enjoyment. He is successful. These are excellent videos. You will enjoy the lessons, the music, and the fun. They should be watched over and over.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LEONARD BERNSTEINS YOUNG PEOPLES CONCERTS WITH THE N.Y. PHIL, February 19, 2003

By 

LEONARD BERNSTEIN SOCIETY (LLOYD HARBOR, NEW YORK USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts - 10-Tape Set [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Take a front-row seat to see Maestro Bernstein, America's foremost musician, perform in his favorite role -- teacher. Watch and listen as he demonstrates, explains, and reveals music as you have never heard it before, performed by his beloved orchestra, the New York Philharmonic. As you enjoy the experience, you will gain something precious: a love and understanding of great music. With the Young People's Concerts, mastering music is all pleasure!

The World's Great Music -- Made Understandable and Enjoyable
Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts span fifteen years during which the incomparable Mr. Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic -- the century's most charismatic conductor leading America's premier symphony orchestra -- reached out in televised live performances to share with the whole world the joy of understanding beautiful music.

Getting to Know Symphonic Music -- From the Master Conductor! This set of Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts is a genuine musical education in a form that's fun, fascinating, and easy. Just sit back and enjoy as Maestro Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic show you the thrilling, passion-filled world of the symphony orchestra. You'll be having such a good time, the learning will feel like pure entertainment!

Something for Everyone -- Young and Old, Novice and Expert Leonard Bernstein captivated a diverse audience. The programs are called Young People's Concerts -- but when they were broadcast, millions of adults enjoyed and benefited from them, too. Mr. Bernstein speaks in familiar terms that anyone can understand -- and what he says intrigues even seasoned professional musicians.

In the world of music, for sheer education and entertainment value, there has never been anything comparable to Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts. They are, quite simply, the musical event of a lifetime.

"The Young People's Concerts are among my favorite, most highly prized activities of my life." -- Leonard Bernstein

Each Young People's Concert is an elegant, sparkling musical event-with-a-message -- a message that speaks to people of all ages who want to hear and understand music more enjoyably than ever before.

A Maestro With a Mission Pianist, composer, conductor, lecturer, author -- the world-famous Leonard Bernstein lived and breathed music his entire life because he truly loved it. He was also aware that "highbrow" music could be intimidating. So the Maestro made it his lifetime mission to turn great music into something everyone could understand and enjoy.

That's why the Young People's Concerts, aired on the CBS Television Network from 1958 to 1973, were so fabulously successful year after year. People packed the live performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Across America, families eagerly tuned in to watch every exciting new program. Around the world, television stations rushed to rebroadcast these unique musical events, translating them into a dozen foreign languages.

Maestro Bernstein's Young People's Concerts were a treasure -- a key that unlocked the door to the secrets of the world's great symphonic music. People watched... listened... enjoyed... understood... and simply couldn't get enough of the Young People's Concerts. There had been nothing like them before. There has been nothing like them since.

For You, Whatever Your Age or Musical Ability Most amazing of all, Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts appeal to people of all ages and at every level of musical ability. There is nothing difficult about these musical events. You don't need any musical experience. Every concept is simple, concrete, immediate. The Maestro describes a musical idea -- then sings it, plays a few bars on the piano, or lifts his baton to lead the New York Philharmonic through a glorious symphonic rendition of the theme. Suddenly, you hear great music as you never heard it before. You pick out melody, counterpoint, rhythm, structure -- and you grasp complex music in a way you never thought possible.

Explaining What Music Means Starting with What Does Music Mean?, Mr. Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic present one spellbinding concert-with-commentary after another, showing you step by step what makes symphonic music an art form, and why great performances draw thunderous applause from audiences around the world.

Music's Most Exciting Moments

A world of beauty and meaning awaits you in Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts. These digitally remastered recordings of the original televised performances provide you with a deluxe guided tour of great music, led by America's best-loved music teacher. The Young People's Concerts let you experience the most exciting and entertaining moments in American musical history.

You will find the Young People's Concerts delightful -- relaxed and informal, yet absolutely authoritative. And whatever your level of musical knowledge -- novice, student, or professional -- you are certain to learn and benefit from these timeless musical events.