This is mostly a flawless ode to a wonderful thing. But .... For me, this speech wobbles off the edge a couple of times. 1. "In this time of world agony... " - good grief that's a bit much, isn't it? Yes it's the best piece of universal accessible uplifting music going, but it ain't going to feed your starving village. 2. "perhaps in beethoven there was a child" - that as a hypothesis to explain the latter point about it creating a universal connection works , but the statement is so no sequitur to the previous paragraph that I don't think it works as a piece of rhetoric, and could have been restructured. Still, if I ever get a review like this on my work after 200 years, I'd be content even with the odd overzealous flourish in it.
Perhaps Beethoven's Enlightenment doctrine is responsible for everything he did. If so, at least the Enlightenment had a virtue. Casuistry and unique, but a virtue.
I was 19 when I first heard the entire 5th symphony played by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, sitting on the floor in front of the stereo in my parents house. I was forever changed by the 3rd and 4th movements. I am now 77 years old and I have listened to every piece of music Beethoven composed, many, many, many times and I have never grown tired of it. What Leonard says here is so true.
Leonard is thanking Beethoven for Humanity. Beethoven loved nature, and I walk in our forest listening mostly to Beethoven Symphonies. He would be horrified to see what Global Corp Inc has done to nature. I hear no insects and there are no birds. Total silence. So I listen to Beethoven. And cry for my children.
It's a common naive bias to believe because a music speaks to you, therefore it speaks to everybody. Some people don't like beethoven and many famous composers disliked him and have called his music vulgar. Such bias makes the whole comment irrelevant
There is something special about Beethoven's great music, for myself he's easily the greatest composer, its certainly quality over quantity. Even though he lost his hearing the ninth is a masterpiece of music or the world to enjoy.
How would you rank Beethoven's symphonies? I'd go with: 1. 9th 2. 3rd 3. 5th 4. 6th 5. 7th 6. 8th 7. 4th 8. 1st 9. 2nd 9th and 3rd are so universally acclaimed, that's it's not a surprise, 9th has more of the grandeur that I find more appealing. I had a harder time picking between 5th, 6th, and 7th. 5th has absolutely legendary outer movements, so I picked it 3rd, while the 6th is strong overall with a more gentle mood when, 7th maybe has the most rousing final movement after incredible movements 1 and 2. 8th is very cleverly composed, but lacks any proper slow movement, 4th has an amazing fast part of the 1st movement, but it doesn't strike that deeply emotionally. Symphonies 1st and 2nd aren't as good as the rest, they have more classical period characteristics. Early piano sonatas by Beethoven are already very strong musically, but he truly found his very own orchestral language in the 3rd symphony. 1st has more compelling subjects than the 2nd for me. , I know you like the 2nd more.
Quite simply, one of the greatest gifts I have received in my life comes from a man who died almost 200 years ago... I truly can't imagine what my life would be like without Beethoven's music, I suppose partially because, as Bernstein communicates, Beethoven's music communicates something from the very essence of existence.
Bernstein is amazingly articulate. He always expresses his thoughts so well. I would have loved to attend his lectures or his concerts. What a man. Just like Beethoven and Mozart, Bernstein is a gift to us all.
If you ask me who wrote the best melodies, I wouldn't answer Beethoven. If you ask me which _are_ the greatest melodies, the first ~5 will be by Beethoven.
For me... Beethoven's music mostly felt thematically personal to me well, with the exception of 9th but still, it kinda tells me about love, fantastically divine dreamy visions (which perhaps are glimpse of my personal heaven) and perhaps family (excluding the music).
With antisemitism again on the rise, what more evidence does one need that those who persecute the Jews deprive the world of some of the greatest minds?
Why does even this praise become infected with psycho-babble and sentimental cliché? Why attempt to explain, when whatever one may say will fall short of the music? Only a poet might rival the music, but I don't know of a poem about Beethoven, because a poet would not attempt to explain, but to realize a fullness through the richness of language that might present something similar, but even the best poetry, which I believe has equaled the music of Beethoven, can never be as immediate, direct as the music.
Nah, Mozart is neither better nor more famous. Easier on the ears, maybe, and perhaps more naturally talented as a musician. But Beethoven is the greater achiever of the two overall, and certainly the more charismatic figure in music.
He would have produced more masterpieces, no doubt. But would they break ground in the same way Beethoven's music did? I doubt it. Mozart was more or less set in the ways of his composing past his 30th.
@@eduardoguerraavila8329 It's not true. Who is the most famous genius in the history of music? Mozart. Who achieved masterpieces in every genre: from symphonic music to the operatic? Mozart. Who is the most recorded composer of all time? Mozart
why don't people talk this way, with so much passion, if only i had such vocabulary to express my thoughts, instead i know 2 languages both moderate! lol
Too bad Mr. Bernstein couldn't (or wouldn't?) engage the simple but most profound fact that yes, though Beethoven was a creature of God but much more importantly, Beethoven was a child of God in Jesus, God's only begotten. Beethoven gave all of his life's talents and credits to God and God alone, that is what made him who he was, a Christian first and a musician second... FWIW, I take nothing away from the late, profoundly talented Leonard Bernstein. Rest in peace:)
Western Classical Music has never had a more eloquent spokesman than Leonard Bernstein. What he said about Beethoven's music's relevance to Bernstein's time (this video looks some 30 years old) seems equally relevant today, especially today.
I agree completely. Beethoven invested his soul to correct the system from within. Mozart -as aloof as Cole Porter - didn't care for the systen, focusing on effect, on emotion. A universal emotion.
This is mostly a flawless ode to a wonderful thing. But .... For me, this speech wobbles off the edge a couple of times. 1. "In this time of world agony... " - good grief that's a bit much, isn't it? Yes it's the best piece of universal accessible uplifting music going, but it ain't going to feed your starving village. 2. "perhaps in beethoven there was a child" - that as a hypothesis to explain the latter point about it creating a universal connection works , but the statement is so no sequitur to the previous paragraph that I don't think it works as a piece of rhetoric, and could have been restructured. Still, if I ever get a review like this on my work after 200 years, I'd be content even with the odd overzealous flourish in it.
Perhaps Beethoven's Enlightenment doctrine is responsible for everything he did. If so, at least the Enlightenment had a virtue. Casuistry and unique, but a virtue.
Came the Time - came the Man❤!
🙏❤🌹Ludwig and Leonard 🌹❤🙏
I was 19 when I first heard the entire 5th symphony played by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, sitting on the floor in front of the stereo in my parents house. I was forever changed by the 3rd and 4th movements. I am now 77 years old and I have listened to every piece of music Beethoven composed, many, many, many times and I have never grown tired of it. What Leonard says here is so true.
Had a similar experience with the 5th.
Avevo 11 anni mia madre mi fece ascoltare il primo tempo della V di Beethoven sul disco vinile 33 giri …rimasi fulminato…la mia vita cambiò per sempre
Great summation by Bernstein-a great man accurately explaining the significance of another great man so we can appreciate it all the more.
Leonard is thanking Beethoven for Humanity. Beethoven loved nature, and I walk in our forest listening mostly to Beethoven Symphonies. He would be horrified to see what Global Corp Inc has done to nature. I hear no insects and there are no birds. Total silence. So I listen to Beethoven. And cry for my children.
Does anyone know the source of this clip? It appears to be part of a larger whole.
Very well said
It's a common naive bias to believe because a music speaks to you, therefore it speaks to everybody. Some people don't like beethoven and many famous composers disliked him and have called his music vulgar. Such bias makes the whole comment irrelevant
There is something special about Beethoven's great music, for myself he's easily the greatest composer, its certainly quality over quantity. Even though he lost his hearing the ninth is a masterpiece of music or the world to enjoy.
Beautiful, thank you <3
Bernstein.. The Carl Sagan of music
The tense jumbo wessely ask because barometer intraorally rinse concerning a false familiar famous digital. cumbersome, blue-eyed trail
How would you rank Beethoven's symphonies? I'd go with: 1. 9th 2. 3rd 3. 5th 4. 6th 5. 7th 6. 8th 7. 4th 8. 1st 9. 2nd 9th and 3rd are so universally acclaimed, that's it's not a surprise, 9th has more of the grandeur that I find more appealing. I had a harder time picking between 5th, 6th, and 7th. 5th has absolutely legendary outer movements, so I picked it 3rd, while the 6th is strong overall with a more gentle mood when, 7th maybe has the most rousing final movement after incredible movements 1 and 2. 8th is very cleverly composed, but lacks any proper slow movement, 4th has an amazing fast part of the 1st movement, but it doesn't strike that deeply emotionally. Symphonies 1st and 2nd aren't as good as the rest, they have more classical period characteristics. Early piano sonatas by Beethoven are already very strong musically, but he truly found his very own orchestral language in the 3rd symphony. 1st has more compelling subjects than the 2nd for me. , I know you like the 2nd more.
Dustin Hoffman xD
Bernstein understood Beethoven to the bone, but not in Case of Bach
Leornard??..
Birth of music 👏
I get the impression that Bernstein liked Beethoven's music a little bit. I'm just guessing
Not a single splice in three minutes of talk, and I think he is speaking off the cuff.
Quite simply, one of the greatest gifts I have received in my life comes from a man who died almost 200 years ago... I truly can't imagine what my life would be like without Beethoven's music, I suppose partially because, as Bernstein communicates, Beethoven's music communicates something from the very essence of existence.
I totally feel the same as you 🤍
'Almost like celebrating the birthday of music itself'...bold words spoken by a 20th century music prophet.
Is this scene from a documentary?
Bernstein is amazingly articulate. He always expresses his thoughts so well. I would have loved to attend his lectures or his concerts. What a man. Just like Beethoven and Mozart, Bernstein is a gift to us all.
Never have spoken words been more true.
How about these words..... You are gay
I did not expect you here! Binged your videos at one time
Hey brother, glad to hear that:) I love Beethoven as much as I love Bruce.@@MrTechTalkTutorials
What year was this from?
1970
If you ask me who wrote the best melodies, I wouldn't answer Beethoven. If you ask me which _are_ the greatest melodies, the first ~5 will be by Beethoven.
It couldn´t be said better, than this. Thank you, Mr. Lion
well said, leonard.
"accessible without being ordinary!"
For me... Beethoven's music mostly felt thematically personal to me well, with the exception of 9th but still, it kinda tells me about love, fantastically divine dreamy visions (which perhaps are glimpse of my personal heaven) and perhaps family (excluding the music).
With antisemitism again on the rise, what more evidence does one need that those who persecute the Jews deprive the world of some of the greatest minds?
interesting how he doesn't agree that music is the universal language
AMEN!
Why does even this praise become infected with psycho-babble and sentimental cliché? Why attempt to explain, when whatever one may say will fall short of the music? Only a poet might rival the music, but I don't know of a poem about Beethoven, because a poet would not attempt to explain, but to realize a fullness through the richness of language that might present something similar, but even the best poetry, which I believe has equaled the music of Beethoven, can never be as immediate, direct as the music.
Sharing + Thanks.....
14 people think: "Beethoven? Meh, I never liked his books."
Wonderful talk!
He speaks so beautifully.
What twat could dislike this?
Beethoven is great but Mozart is better and more famous
Nah, Mozart is neither better nor more famous. Easier on the ears, maybe, and perhaps more naturally talented as a musician. But Beethoven is the greater achiever of the two overall, and certainly the more charismatic figure in music.
Armaan Alfares if only mozart lived longer ...
He would have produced more masterpieces, no doubt. But would they break ground in the same way Beethoven's music did? I doubt it. Mozart was more or less set in the ways of his composing past his 30th.
Mozart is nothing compared with Beethoven. And I totally differ. Beethoven is more famous.
@@eduardoguerraavila8329 It's not true. Who is the most famous genius in the history of music? Mozart. Who achieved masterpieces in every genre: from symphonic music to the operatic? Mozart. Who is the most recorded composer of all time? Mozart
why don't people talk this way, with so much passion, if only i had such vocabulary to express my thoughts, instead i know 2 languages both moderate! lol
Too bad Mr. Bernstein couldn't (or wouldn't?) engage the simple but most profound fact that yes, though Beethoven was a creature of God but much more importantly, Beethoven was a child of God in Jesus, God's only begotten. Beethoven gave all of his life's talents and credits to God and God alone, that is what made him who he was, a Christian first and a musician second... FWIW, I take nothing away from the late, profoundly talented Leonard Bernstein. Rest in peace:)
STFU
Western Classical Music has never had a more eloquent spokesman than Leonard Bernstein. What he said about Beethoven's music's relevance to Bernstein's time (this video looks some 30 years old) seems equally relevant today, especially today.
Especially today!
You know what, its relevance will always remain. The music is so powerful, I'll never forget that day I heard it live for the first time
Mozart. Escaped the chains that always limited Beethoven. Because of singularly great immagination.
The chains themselves were the reason that Beethoven achieved what he did, and is loved for it
I agree completely. Beethoven invested his soul to correct the system from within. Mozart -as aloof as Cole Porter - didn't care for the systen, focusing on effect, on emotion. A universal emotion.
he really has a way with words.
Ritesh Ajoodha The truth behind the words was self-existent. He just discovered them.
had.. sadly :')
Did he write this down beforehand? Or did it all roll off his tongue as seen?
They might have gotten the theme for _Immortal Beloved_ from this talk. (Theme in the story sense, not the musical sense.)
God damn it! when will I compose my magnum opus, how can I ever excel to this level? GODDAMM IT!!!
Glorious and beautifull speech.