Leonard Bernstein - Young People's Concerts / New York Philharmonic (1961)

A must toward getting musical culture in every home

Bernstein is truly a genius. This collection shows in a detailled and very didactic manner the best way to aproach the learning and enjoying of classic music.
In specially attonishing and breathtaking "The sound pf an Orchestra" "The Sonata form" "What is a Concert" and thos parts where Bernstain performs his pianistic parts showing himself as a virtuoso.
I allready conveyed my collection to those physicians in my hospital to whom I am conducting in the world of classic music.
But most important, I gather my grand sons to initiate them in Music with this great master, Leonard Bernstein and his Young People's Concerts.
Dr. Jorge Fuentes-Aguirre; M.D. Ph.D. Saltillo, Mexico. February 10, 2008

Excelent Bernstein

This is the best colection of Bernstein, as an outstanding Professor. 13 years of Music Academy at the very top. Yet, easy to understand and funny. Don't miss this set. It is a must for music lovers. January 17, 2008

Superlative Sound & Performances

These lessons, as many have noted, are edifying and accessible to intelligent adolescents and still quite enriching to people who already know a thing or two about music. Bernstein doesn't patronize or pander to his audience, but he uses an accessible vocabulary, often with a touch of humor (and with clever examples from pop music as asides--I find that these hold up very well). But what is most impressive is the quality of the performances; these are not just lectures punctuated by brief examples, but lessons built around substantial pieces of music, such as whole movements of symphonies. There is nothing matter of fact or rote about the way the orchestra handles the music; their energy and commitment are extraordinary, even compared to other major orchestras. Also, the stereo and 5.1 mixes, except from the oldest shows (which are still quite listenable), are stunning; I wasn't expecting that. These lectures, paired with the performances, are moving--not because they are in any way sentimental, but because the performances often lift the events far beyond didacticism into something that feels supernal. September 1, 2007

The art of teaching while amusing

Leonard Bernstein certainly is besides a great conductor a wonderful, almost ideal, teacher. I am tremendously grateful for these series of one-hour concerts for young people, it makes my day every time I watch them.

For those, like myself, who feel that they like classical music but they don't quite understand why or what exactly of it, this is a good companion for the road of learning. It teaches and amuses; it's never boring but quick-paced. It's worth it, if only for the pleasure of listening to Mr. Bernstein speak. His introductions to pieces and little observations are paired with samples from the repertoire of the most important and varied composers world-wide.

Truly we can say that learning is a pleasure in this case. This series is a national treasure.

June 26, 2006

The view of a child

Being one of the fortunate children to attend the Bernstein concerts as a child I am surprised at other children of the same audience commenting as adults now. Why do they doubt children today as less able to understand what Bernstein was saying? What he is saying is only half of it, IT'S THE MUSIC that's speaking. I sat there and understood what was 'american music' with Aaron Copeland because the music explained more than anything anyone could say about it. Let children listen and take from it what they wil. Those young people's concerts helped form my understanding of music, art, sound. I didn't know it at the time.
Looking back I find it foolish to second guess or evaluate Bernstein as condescending or too advanced. Just watch it with your kids; maybe it will take or maybe it will take longer. These concerts are timeless and beyond bounds we try to create now. Listen to the music as Bernstein and other luminaries guide you through it. it's an extraordinary experience. May 30, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...