Leonard Bernstein, an influential figure in 20th-century classical music, is the central focus of Bradley Cooper’s highly-anticipated biopic “Maestro,” which will premiere at Venice. Renowned as a composer, conductor, and pianist, Bernstein’s musical repertoire ranged from classical and jazz to rock and Latino. Here are five key aspects of this American maestro, who passed away at the age of 72 in 1990:
1. ‘West Side Story’: Freshly graduated from Harvard and born to Ukrainian Jewish parents who fled the pogroms, Bernstein rose to fame in the United States within just three years, at the age of 25. In 1957, he solidified his place in history by composing the musical “West Side Story,” a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” set in the gangs of New York’s Upper West Side. The Broadway production was an instant hit and quickly transitioned to the silver screen, winning numerous accolades at the Oscars. “West Side Story” catapulted Bernstein to global recognition, leading him to assume leadership of the prestigious New York Philharmonic Orchestra a year later.
2. Gay: An Open Secret: Known for his charm and good looks, Bernstein appeared to be a ladies’ man. He formed a prominent couple in Manhattan with Chilean actress Felicia Montealegre and they had three children together. However, the reality of Bernstein’s personal life was more complex. Shortly after their marriage, his wife revealed that Bernstein was gay and expressed her acceptance because of her love for him. Struggling with his double life, Bernstein sought the assistance of a psychologist who claimed to “cure” homosexuality. Following 25 years of marriage, during which he engaged in multiple affairs, he and his wife divorced, and Bernstein openly pursued relationships with men.
3. On the FBI Watch List: It was only after Bernstein’s death that it was revealed that the FBI had kept an extensive 800-page file on him for many years. Throughout his life, Bernstein remained politically active, attracting the attention of US intelligence agencies. In the 1950s, during the McCarthy era, Bernstein’s name even appeared on an official FBI list of suspected communist affiliates. He vocally opposed the Vietnam War and provided support to the civil rights movement. In 1970, he caused controversy by hosting a fundraiser at his home for the Black Panthers. Additionally, Bernstein was suspected of incorporating coded messages into the Latin texts of one of his compositions.
4. Berlin Wall: Throughout his career, Bernstein conducted orchestras in prestigious locations around the world, including New York, Amsterdam, Vienna, Tel Aviv, and Sapporo. One of his most memorable performances took place on December 25, 1989, in Berlin shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. He led the renowned concert of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the Konzerthaus, amassing musicians from around the globe.
5. That Nose: In response to the controversy surrounding the “Maestro” trailer, in which Cooper wore a prosthetic nose to portray Bernstein, the Bernstein children released a statement on social media in August. The statement acknowledged that Leonard Bernstein did indeed have a distinctively large nose, effectively dismissing claims that the use of a prosthetic perpetuated Jewish stereotypes and referring to it as “Jewface,” analogous to the historical practice of “Blackface” in which non-Black performers darkened their faces for certain roles.
Leonard Bernstein left an indelible mark on the world of music, and his legacy is a testament to his immense talent, artistic versatility, and his impact on society as a whole.
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