The Joy of Music Leonard Bernstein

Refreshingly Well-Written Bernstein seems to have excelled in everything he undertook, and this short collection of thoughtful essays and television transcripts is no exception. In the first half, Bernstein creates a series of fictitious characters and writes simple, witty dialogues to explain complex musical ideas. As a musician myself, this first half of the book was the highlight for me.The second half contains transcripts of an old television program called Omnibus, and while these transcripts are interesting, I re. Great book! Jonah R Buchanan Leonard Bernstein, aside from being a brilliant conductor and composer, was a dedicated educator. If you wanted a guide for how to listen to great classical music, or a discussion of the relevance of this music in an evolving artistic culture, you could do a whole lot worse.I think, for the money, if you bought this book, and the Young People's Concerts DVD's, you might have the greatest intro to music course ever.. Joy of Music. Leonard Berstein J. Rivers Great book. All music lovers should read thisgreat overview and detailed look at composer's process and insights into many of the musical worlds great masterpieces. Leonard Bernstein is able to teach complex subjects so that average music listeners can understand the points he makes and advanced music students can derive greater understanding. It is a pleasure to be able to share this man's insights and genius.

-- Stringendo, Vol. 27 Number 1. " Bernstein's insights still are as pointed and relevant as they were when the book first came out." -- The Bookwatch, April 2005"This collection of conversations on the meaning and wonder of music is a must-have for music fans ."

This classic work is perhaps Bernstein's finest collection of conversations on the meaning and wonder of music. (Amadeus). Employing the creative device of "Imaginary Conversations" in the first section of his book, Bernstein illuminates the importance of the symphony in America, the greatness of Beethoven, and the art of composing. This book is a must for all music fans who wish to experience music more fully and deeply through one of the most inspired, and inspiring, music intellects of our time. The book also includes a photo section and a third section with the transcripts from his televised Omnibus music series, including "Beeth