Meanwhile : Leonard Bernstein, the conductor who taught music with joy

Na Sung-in

The author is a music critic and director of the classical music brand Poongwoldang.

Leonard Bernstein was one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century. With his wide repertoire, versatility and original yet disciplined interpretations, he was often seen as a rival to Herbert von Karajan. But the two projected very different images. Karajan was known for his stern and almost mystical charisma, while Bernstein appeared polished, relaxed and approachable. His television appearances also made him more familiar to the public.



The media frequently compared the two conductors, turning their rivalry into a cultural topic of its own. The symbolic contrast between the Berlin Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic added to such comparisons, and after Bernstein established himself in Vienna, the comparison shifted to the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic. If Karajan was admired above all for opera, Bernstein built a strong reputation as an interpreter of composers and contemporary music.

If Karajan was like an emperor, Bernstein was like a rabbi. He possessed broad humanistic knowledge and never lost his wit or humor. Watching him rehearse with young people often felt like watching an elder reading from the Talmud. Through conversation, questions and attentive listening, he knew how to turn learning into something enjoyable.

The clearest example of Bernstein's gifts as an educator was the "Young People's Concerts" (1958), broadcast on CBS in the United States in 52 episodes from 1958 to 1972. Through the series, Bernstein constantly introduced young audiences to unfamiliar music. He presented works by Jean Sibelius, Igor Stravinsky, Paul Hindemith and Dmitri Shostakovich as major programs, while also introducing contemporary American composers such as Aaron Copland and Roy Harris.

The program also provided opportunities for young musicians, including Claudio Abbado, Lynn Harrell and Kim Young Uck. Broadcast nationwide on television, the series had enormous influence. It not only raised the cultural awareness of ordinary Americans but also inspired the next generation of musicians.

What is a true teacher? Perhaps it is someone who first falls in love and then teaches others how to love as well. Bernstein used his fame as a media star to share his love of music with the public. In that sense, he was not only a conductor but also a genuine teacher and educator.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.