Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Leonard Bernstein (American Composer, Conductor)

Leonard Bernstein (1918–90,) born Louis Bernstein, was an American conductor, composer, and pianist. He was a conductor with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra 1945–48 and then its musical director 1958–69. One of the most glamorous musical figures of his day, he was celebrated for his flamboyant conducting style, for his talent, versatility, and tireless energy, and his accomplishments in both classical and popular music.

Born to a family of Russian-Jewish immigrants in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Bernstein was educated at Harvard and the Curtis Institute of Music. He achieved fame suddenly in 1943 when he conducted a difficult program for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra as a substitute for conductor Bruno Walter. His popularity rose and he was invited to be a guest conductor of every major orchestra in the U.S. until, in 1958, he became music director of the New York Philharmonic. He also won large audiences and world fame through his recordings.

Bernstein’s compositions include three symphonies, the oratorio Kaddish (1963,) The Chichester Psalms (1965,) Mass (1971,) a ballet, and many choral works and songs. He is best known for his two musical comedies On the Town (1944) and West Side Story (1957,) for his concerts for young people, and for composing music for the movie On the Waterfront (1954.)

Bernstein’s later works include the ballet Dybbuk (1974,) Songfest (1977,) Halil (1981) and a revision of his operetta Candide (1956, 1988.)

Bernstein published a collection of lectures, including The Joy of Music (1959) and The Infinite Variety of Music (1966.)

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Leonard Bernstein

The second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm
—Leonard Bernstein

The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies and his life just to make sure that one note follows another… and leaves us with the feeling that something is right in the world.
—Leonard Bernstein
Topics: Music

Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time.
—Leonard Bernstein
Topics: Inspirational

Technique is communication: the two words are synonymous in conductors.
—Leonard Bernstein
Topics: Talent

I’ve been all over the world and I’ve never seen a statue of a critic.
—Leonard Bernstein

I think it is time we learned the lesson of our century: that the progress of the human spirit must keep pace with technological and scientific progress, or that spirit will die. It is incumbent on our educators to remember this; and music is at the top of the spiritual must list. When the study of the arts leads to the adoration of the formula (heaven forbid), we shall be lost. But as long as we insist on maintaining artistic vitality, we are able to hope in man
—Leonard Bernstein
Topics: Music

Einstein said that “the most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious.” So why do so many of us try to explain the beauty of music, thus depriving it of its mystery?
—Leonard Bernstein

To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.
—Leonard Bernstein
Topics: Achievement

Music, because of its specific and far-reaching metaphorical powers, can name the unnamable and communicate the unknowable.
—Leonard Bernstein
Topics: Communication, One liners, Music

Presenting the cork is wine nonsense, a ritual invented by captains and sommeliers. The wine snob does not resent ritual. There is infinite ritual in the etiquette of serving wine. But most of it at least hints at style or purpose. Placing an unsightly cork on the tablecloth hints at absurdity.
—Leonard Bernstein
Topics: Wine

A liberal is a man or a woman or a child who looks forward to a better day, a more tranquil night, and a bright, infinite future.
—Leonard Bernstein
Topics: Liberalism

Any great work of art … revives and readapts time and space, and the measure of its success is the extent to which it makes you an inhabitant of that world — the extent to which it invites you in and lets you breathe its strange, special air.
—Leonard Bernstein

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