Leonard Bernstein, known for his major contributions as a world class composer in a multiplicity of styles, was also a virtuoso pianist and orchestra conductor of the highest caliber. Born into an orthodox Jewish home, Maestro Bernstein was raised in a Conservative synagogue in the Boston area. At least 20 of his works contain Jewish musical elements, motifs, themes, contents, and theology, reflecting his upbringing, education, and identity.
Modern ties to cantorial music
Leonard Bernstein
Avodath Hakodesh: Sacred Service for Baritone (Cantor), Mixed Chorus and Orchestra: Part I:
Leonard Bernstein - Israelite Chorus, Y'varekh'kha, Hashkiveinu
The Music of Leonard Bernstein
An online discussion with Hazzan David F. Tilman examines the works of Leonard Bernstein using a rich variety of musical recordings and archival photographs.
