Composers Datebook™ is a daily two-minute program designed to inform, engage, and entertain listeners with timely information about composers of the past and present. Each program notes significant or intriguing musical events involving composers of the past and present, with appropriate and accessible music related to each.
Bernstein's "hateful" luck
Synopsis
Looking back on a famous person’s life and career, one often notes quirky patterns of coincidences. Take the American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, for example.
On today’s date in 1943, Bernstein was one day short of his 25th birthday, and, at the Public Library in Lenox, Massachusetts, accompanied the singer Jennie Tourel in the premiere of a new song cycle for which Bernstein had composed both the words and the music. The song cycle was entitled “I Hate Music!” and offered, from a child’s perspective, some devastatingly direct observations on art and life.
The following day, the New York Philharmonic’s music director, Artur Rodzinski, invited Bernstein to become Assistant Conductor of the orchestra.
Now, fast forward to November 13th that same year: Jennie Tourel and Bernstein were at Town Hall, giving the New York premiere of “I Hate Music!” The very next day, Bernstein was asked to step in at short notice for the indisposed Bruno Walter, making his New York Philharmonic debut conducting the orchestra during their live national Sunday afternoon radio broadcast from Carnegie Hall.
Leonard Bernstein’s surprise—and successful—conducting debut made the front page of the New YorkTimes, and a legendary career was launched.
Music Played in Today's ProgramLeonard Bernstein (1918 - 1990) — I Hate Music! (Jennie Tourel, mezzo-soprano; Leonard Bernstein, piano) Sony 60697
Miklos Rosza (1907 - 1995) — Theme, Variations and Finale (The New Zealand Symphony; James Sedares, cond.) Koch 7191