Leonard Bernstein on conducting Randall Thompson's Second Symphony

An excerpt from Leonard Bernstein's 1980 interview for the Kennedy Center, in which he discusses the first symphony he ever conducted, his teacher Randall Thompson's Second Symphony (1932).

Biographical information on Leonard Bernstein:
Leonard Bernstein (August 25, 1918 – October 14, 1990) was an American composer, conductor, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian. Considered to be one of the most important conductors of his time, he was the first American conductor to receive international acclaim. According to music critic Donal Henahan, he was "one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history". Bernstein was the recipient of many honors, including seven Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, sixteen Grammy Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor.
Read more at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard...

Biographical information on Randall Thompson:
Randall Thompson (April 21, 1899 – July 9, 1984) was an American composer, particularly noted for his choral works. Randall attended The Lawrenceville School, where his father was an English teacher. He then attended Harvard University, became assistant professor of music and choir director at Wellesley College, and received a doctorate in music from the University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music. He went on to teach at the Curtis Institute of Music (serving as its Director 1941/1942), at the University of Virginia, and at Harvard University. He is particularly noted for his choral works. He was an honorary member of the Rho Tau chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity at Appalachian State University. Thompson composed three symphonies and numerous vocal works including Americana, The Testament of Freedom, Frostiana, and The Peaceable Kingdom, inspired by Edward Hicks's painting. His most popular and recognizable choral work is his anthem, Alleluia, commissioned by Serge Koussevitzky for the opening of the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood. He also wrote the operas Solomon and Balkis and The Nativity According to St. Luke.
Read more at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randall...

See the score for Thompson's Second Symphony here:    • Randall Thompson: Symphony No. 2 (Stu...  

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