I've just watched a documentary which Leonard Bernstein presented on American television in 1956. It reminded me how approachable his television style was and set me asking myself if he has ever been matched in this sphere. This particular programme, introduced by Alistair Cooke, dealt with the American stage musical/operetta up to that time. He made some thought-provoking points in a captivating way - many of which had never occurred to me. One of the most original sections of the programme was a comparison of the Act I Finale of The Mikado and Of Thee I Sing. To compare the many similarities, he had costumed singers staging the scene and, at appropriate points, changing costumes on stage and moving to the other work. Original and instructive - and with no use of pre-recordings or any other short-cuts which might be used today.
Lennie's screen presence was unmistakable, but, smoking having not yet taking its toll on his voice, he sounded young and the husky tones had not developed. Inevitably, he spent some of the programme with cigarette in hand and one foot on the piano stool.
I remember seeing the series, The Unanswered Question, many years ago, but this was a much earlier Bernstein. Just how much earlier was brought home very strikingly when Cooke thanked Rodgers and Hammerstein for giving permission to use music from their shows, "including South Pacific, which is about to be filmed".
What a wonderful opportunity to see these classic programmes - I believe it's a series of six. I know that some members here do not like seeing non-BBC broadcasts being praised, but here I must make an exception. I think I recorded it on Saturday on Sky Arts 2, but there are doubtless opportunities to catch a repeat.
Lennie's screen presence was unmistakable, but, smoking having not yet taking its toll on his voice, he sounded young and the husky tones had not developed. Inevitably, he spent some of the programme with cigarette in hand and one foot on the piano stool.
I remember seeing the series, The Unanswered Question, many years ago, but this was a much earlier Bernstein. Just how much earlier was brought home very strikingly when Cooke thanked Rodgers and Hammerstein for giving permission to use music from their shows, "including South Pacific, which is about to be filmed".
What a wonderful opportunity to see these classic programmes - I believe it's a series of six. I know that some members here do not like seeing non-BBC broadcasts being praised, but here I must make an exception. I think I recorded it on Saturday on Sky Arts 2, but there are doubtless opportunities to catch a repeat.
What's the question?
Was confused by Lenny's 'Unanswered' one... )
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