Leonard Bernstein:  A Julia de Burgos

Leonard Bernstein: A Julia de Burgos

From his 1977 song cycle Songfest, “A Julia de Burgos” uses the text of poet Julia de Burgos. Jack Gottlieb describes the cycle terrifically: Originally commissioned to be a work in celebration of the American Bicentennial Year (1976), Songfest could not...
Leonard Bernstein:  Pass the Football

Leonard Bernstein: Pass the Football

This terrific remastered original cast recording from the 1953 rendition of Wonderful Town portrays Wreck, a guy who describes his fame and glory days as a student because of his ability to pass the ol’ pigskin. In this hilarious song, Wreck can’t spell, read, or...
Leonard Bernstein:  Somewhere

Leonard Bernstein: Somewhere

Perhaps Bernstein’s most well-known work, “Somewhere” has an inherent timeless relevance. It expresses the hope of a world in which conflict is absent and people are able to live without prejudice and hatred. Bernstein spent his entire life being involved...
Leonard Bernstein:  Little Smary

Leonard Bernstein: Little Smary

“Little Smary” is an example of Bernstein’s art song repertoire outside of the theater. The words are by Jennie Bernstein (Bernstein’s mother). The story depicts a young girl playing with her “wuddit” (rabbit). The story was a common bedtime story told to...