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Bad Times

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990): 4/5. Bad Times. Donald Macleod examines a turbulent period in Bernstein's life, when his seemingly idyllic existence was threatened.

Bernstein's seemingly perfect life as a loving husband and father, an exceptional musical talent and an electric personality are in jeopardy in this fourth programme. Donald Macleod maps a category of bad events in Bernstein's life. He blamed his wife Felicia for his Broadway flop 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; she'd apparently encouraged him to work with its librettist. But Bernstein's affair with his assistant Thomas Cothran, for whom he momentarily left his wife, was a harsher blow. Bernstein's relationship with Cothran resulted in their collaboration on 'Songfest - A Cycle of American Poems', played here in its entirety.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 9 Sep 2010 12:00

Music Played

  • Leonard Bernstein

    Take care of this house (1600 Pennsylvania Avenue)

    Performer: Frederica von Stade (Mezzo soprano), National Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein (conductor)

    • CBS MASTERWORKS MK44760.
    • 21.
  • Leonard Bernstein

    Songfest for 6 voices and orchestra

    Performer: Clamma Dale (soprano), Rosalind Elias (mezzo soprano), Nancy Williams (mezzo soprano), Neil Rosenshein (tenor), John Reardon (baritone), Donald Gramm (bass), Washington DC National Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein (conductor)

    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 415 965-2.
    • 1.
  • Leonard Bernstein

    3 Meditations for cello and orchestra

    Performer: Mstislav Rostropovich (cello), Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein (conductor)

    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 431 028-2.
    • 6.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 13 Mar 2008 12:00
  • Thu 13 Mar 2008 20:45
  • Thu 9 Sep 2010 12:00

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