I had heard about these concerts, and watching them on DVD is nothing short of a revelation. The way that Bernstein explains classical music makes it truly accessible, and he involves his young audience captivating. His joy at making music, and the musicianship of the New York Philharmonic are wonderful.
The series spans many years, and it is fun to watch how the producers change their technique, especially in the first few episodes. They learned from the first one that Bernstein hums along with the orchestra -- and so they turn off his mike by the second episode. The camera changes from a fish eye to wide-angle and by the fourth episode we have cameras panning the musicians instead of fixed shots. Also watch for the way that Bernstein re- arranges his orchestra, moving the basses from the back to the right side, and sending the brass way to the back.
I thought I knew a lot about classical music, yet Bernstein introduced me to some new ways to think about its structure, and to some new composers. His guest artists are stunning -- Copland conducting his own music! Bernstein is careful to inject jazz, folks, and rock music into his discussions as well, which adds substantially to the lessons presented.
If only this kind of show would attract the audiences today that it did 50 years ago.
The series spans many years, and it is fun to watch how the producers change their technique, especially in the first few episodes. They learned from the first one that Bernstein hums along with the orchestra -- and so they turn off his mike by the second episode. The camera changes from a fish eye to wide-angle and by the fourth episode we have cameras panning the musicians instead of fixed shots. Also watch for the way that Bernstein re- arranges his orchestra, moving the basses from the back to the right side, and sending the brass way to the back.
I thought I knew a lot about classical music, yet Bernstein introduced me to some new ways to think about its structure, and to some new composers. His guest artists are stunning -- Copland conducting his own music! Bernstein is careful to inject jazz, folks, and rock music into his discussions as well, which adds substantially to the lessons presented.
If only this kind of show would attract the audiences today that it did 50 years ago.
