Bernstein's 'hateful' luck

Composers Datebook

Synopsis

Looking back on a famous person’s life and career, one often notes quirky patterns of coincidences. Take 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, I Hate Music!, 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 13 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.

Bernstein’s surprise — and successful — conducting debut made the front page of the New York Times, and a legendary career was launched.

Music Played in Today's Program

Leonard 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, conductor; Koch 7191