Where has the sunshine gone? Thankfully at Ferryview we are able to keep the holiday feeling alive with costal walks, bobbing boats and Gin!! Folks that know me know this is my answer to all ails ..if in trouble..Gin…things not better? ..more Gin
Happy Birthday Leonard Bernstein!
( August 25th, 1918 - October 14th, 1990)
Leonard Bernstein would have been 102 if he was still with us today. A creative genius. The American conductor, composer and pianist must be one of the most gifted and significant 20th century musicians. His life personified so much more than music itself. He was a great thinker, activist, educator and entertainer. Known as “Lenny” to family and friends he was a man with inner demons during his early years over his sexuality who found peace in later years.
There are a number of interesting biographies about this great man. Many celebrate his musical achievements and a few dive into Bernstein the man. Bernstein himself penned a number of books.
Famous Father Girl: A memoir of Growing Up Bernstein by Jamie Bernstein
(2018 book by his eldest daughter)
Leonard Bernstein by Sir Humphrey Burton OBE
(New edition of Sir Humphrey Burton’s celebrated biography 2017)
The Joy of Music by Leonard Bernstein
(A collection of conversations by the maestro 2006)
Westside Story
“Westside Story” is perhaps his best-known work. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet story. The 1957 Broadway musical explores the rivalry between two New York gangs - the Sharks and the Jets. Music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The musical film was released in 1961. It won 10 of the 11 Academy awards for which it was nominated for.
One of the most breathtaking invigorating sequences must be the Dance at the Gym but if you want to relax and listen to something quite special then it has to be One Hand One Heart
During my lecture on How to Read a Music Score , I discuss Bernstein’s unique conducting technique and the trusting relationship he builds with his performers.
Here is the clip I use where Bernstein uses minimum movement to share his direction to the players. Notice how Bernstein is slightly ahead of the music.
Famous Bernstein quotes
‘Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable”
“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time”
“I can’t live one day without hearing music, playing it, or thinking about it”
December 2020
Fingers crossed for the release of the new West Side Story film by Steven Spielberg. More information here:
Another great loss to music was the talented country singer songwriter Kenny Rogers, whom we lost earlier in March this year. Kenny would have been 82 on August 21st .
Subscribers will receive a ukulele arrangement of “Islands in the Stream”
‘Islands in the Stream” – A collaboration by a golden team. Written by the Bee Gees as a Rhythm and Blues (R&B) song for Marvin Gaye but recorded by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. The Bee Gees themselves contributed to the recording on vocals. It charted number 1 in USA and number 7 in UK. The title was inspired by Ernest Hemingway.
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