One of the seminal figures in American music in the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was a conductor, composer, pianist, author, TV personality, and lecturer. He gained fame from serving as music director of the New York Philharmonic for over 10 years and conducting a series of televised lectures and concerts for children in the 1950s. Like George Gershwin, his efforts as a composer attempted to bridge the worlds of popular and concert music. His works for the concert hall included three symphonies, the oratorio Chichester Psalms, and various song cycles. His works for the stage have become much better known, chiefly the musicals West Side Story and On the Town and his comic opera Candide.

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