Today, we remember American composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein, who was born on this date in 1918 and lived until 1990. Even people who don't follow classical music remember Bernstein for his score for the film "On the Waterfront" and for the beloved musical "West Side Story." Bernstein had many classical compositions as well, he was a good pianist, and was especially known for his conducting, which was among the best of the 20th century. Many who were TV viewers in the U.S. in the 1950s and 1960s remember him for his Young People's Concerts and other educational programs on CBS, and in the 1970s he did a series of lectures called "The Unanswered Question", which were shown on public TV and later made available on DVD. The painting, which is called "Leonard Bernstein in his Element," is by my brother, Ward Lamb. It is in the music department of the Minisink Valley High School in New York State. Happy birthday to the man musicians still remember as "Lenny," and enjoy the painting!
