Leonard Bernstein

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-An interesting and readable biography of the man who, for many, popularized classical music and introduced Wagner, Beethoven, and Bach to a generation of young people. The controversies surrounding Bernstein's later life are not included, and the scarcity of information offered about his personal life as an adult is disappointing. Nevertheless, Hurwitz has drawn an enthusiastic portrait of a brilliant, energetic man whose enormous talent helped him overcome his humble beginnings and other obstacles. Even though it will not provide deep insights into Bernstein's complex character, the book offers an inside look at the world of classical music and at the remarkable contributions of this ``genius boy.''-Cyrisse Jaffee, formerly at Newton Public Schools, MA

Ellen Mandel

When Leonard Bernstein died, a fellow composer wondered whether he had died too young but concluded that since Bernstein actually had led four lives at once, he was not 72, but 288 years old at his death. Hurwitz acquaints readers with all four of Bernstein's lives (conductor, composer, pianist, teacher) and more as she surveys his energetic, musically charged life. She notes how good fortune played a pivotal role in Bernstein's fate--he inherited a piano, his first instrument, from his aunt when he was 10; mere months after assuming the position of assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic, he gained public notice when he was called to take the baton for the guest conductor who was ill. However, Hurwitz makes it clear that Bernstein's determination and talent propelled his career. His Jewish heritage also is shown to have inspired many of his compositions and to have been a powerful motivating factor throughout his life. Lisker's black-and-white drawings dramatically complement Hurwitz's readable, informative biography.