Working with Bernstein

"In Working with Bernstein, Jack Gottlieb gives us something truly special. He creates a vivid and intimate portrait that could only come from someone who knew the maestro personally for many years. Full of fresh and fascinating details, both musical and personal, Gottlieb's account sheds new light on the marvel that was Leonard Bernstein's genius. This book is one to treasure." Thomas Hampson, baritone

Early on, critics often were distracted by the Maestro's dancelike style as a conductor... But he always protested that he was not aware of it during the performance. His podium manner had to be a burning need to communicate the composer's thought processes to both orchestra and audience, whatever the physicality it took to make it manifest. At times it was as if he were---in the title of one of his songs from On the Town..."Carried Away." One is reminded of words from Psalm 35: Kol atsmotiai tagilna badonai! (All my bones shall exult in the Eternal One!)

This was an article of faith by which LB lived his life and created his works.

Much has been written about Leonard Bernstein, one of the twentieth century's most compelling and provocative musical personalities. But Working with Bernstein is the first book on the maestro by a composer, and the first by a colleague and friend who worked closely with him for more than three decades. Author Jack Gottlieb was Bernstein's assistant and has been described as the preeminent Bernstein scholar, and he offers a view of this consummate musician like no other.

In this candid volume, Gottlieb presents fresh and revealing information about the everyday life of the maestro, featuring reminiscences peppered with ancedotes and humor. Bernstein is shown to be not only a top-notch conductor and composer but also a razor-sharp intellect, devilish wit, loyal friend and committed Jew. His family and personal life is handled with frankness and sensitivity.

Working with Bernstein also includes Gottlieb's commentaries and analyses of Leonard Bernstein's works, which have appeared as program notes for concerts by many of the world's orchestras, as jacket notes for recordings and as articles in journals and elsewhere. Accompanied by updated remarks, this collection of writings allows those seeking firsthand information on Bernstein's compositions to find all of Gottlieb's valuable scholarship in one place.

Wide ranging yet intimate in scope, Working with Bernstein is a rewarding resource for anyone interested in exploring the life and work of one of the most remarkable musicians who ever lived.