Leonard Bernstein Discusses Beethoven's 9th Symphony

[@arontesfay2520]

Its impossible to get bored listening to Leonard Bernstein

[@wakeupfool7734]

No, it is not impossible. I just did it.

[@TerryUniGeezerPeterson]

Only impossible if you're a boring, unimaginative oaf.

[@Tennisisreallyfun]

@@wakeupfool7734 To each his own I suppose, but I can’t help but love Leonard Bernstein. He’s a brilliant musician with a brilliant mind discussing brilliant music, music that I hold extremely dear to my heart!

[@LMR72]

I just did.

[@Tennisisreallyfun]

In my haste to disagree with those who disagreed with you, I forgot to actually agree with you😂 You are 100% correct! Leonard Bernstein is such a brilliant person. Who can possibly get bored listening to him discuss great music?

[@corneliamuller8659]

Bernsteins message is timeless and at the same time the exact message for our situation now in world history. We need more Bernsteins, more Beethovens and Schillers today!! We need peace and brotherhood among people more than anything else! Dear maestro thanks for your ongoing inspiration!

[@michalegraves32798]

I’m literally a better person for having watched these 6 minutes and 28 seconds of brilliance. Going back to listen to the 9th Symphony.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Again? Ok. That will probably be over 400 times. Oh wait, that means 74 minutes each time. Did you know they designed the CD to be the perfect length to hold the 9th Symphony. Hmm, 400 times 1 hour and 14 minutes. I won't take the time to calculate how much I've listened to the 9th. I'd rather use that time to listen to the 9th again.

[@treavorraemer5333]

He is like the Gandalf of conductors

[@ericrakestraw664]

So who would be the Dumbledore of conductors then?

[@adipsous]

@@PatJez Maybe Fritz Reiner?

[@PatJez]

@@adipsousWot

[@BassoonReedWater]

@@ericrakestraw664 How bout Karajan?

[@theoddood6216]

@@BassoonReedWater Karajan seems to me more of a Grindelwald of music lol

[@daryljay7057]

I am not embarrassed to say "I love this man!" He gave me something very precious. A love and understanding of fine music! The best music teacher I ever had!

[@HarrisonHollers]

Did you study with him or you mean through videos he produced? He’s brilliant! Though he’s even more entertaining!

[@prabhukiranz]

why embarrassed ?? -- Man literally uses - LOVE in every sentence as possible : I loved him - I fell in love with him - our bond lasted a life time - we loved each other - we cried and played piano all nit long n loved each other so much , loved her and studied with her for yrs -- these are all his phrases from various vids -- ahahha.... jus sayin ... such a noble soul -- its because of him and betthov of course - I wanted to make steps to learnin music n understand the heart of beethov n others ... jus syain...

[@joncheskin]

Beethoven's music is a miracle. It is amazing that something so complex can be exactly correct so much of the time. Beethoven wrote his music in order to spread his message long after he died, and it does indeed do its work on every succeeding generation.

[@Chris-ji4iu]

I have always loved music, but until I heard the 9th I had no idea what music evoke within me.

[@eviltomthai]

Especially when you realize that he was deaf. Most people don't know that but it's mind blowing

[@GoOKuSj33]

He was Haydn's student and devoted to the piano, there's nothing miraculous about it.

[@beethovenlovedmozart]

Please do listen to Mozart, Haydn, and Bach. Just take away one of them and beethoven would've been just a piano player.

[@beethovenlovedmozart]

​@@eviltomthaieveryone who was good in those days wrote music without hearing it. They would only hear it once they completed it. The only impressive part is beethoven decided to keep going even though he couldn't enjoy it.

[@swymaj02]

Even today the message of 9th hits home, especially in the way this man explained it.

[@samrobertmuik3495]

You're not kidding.

[@scottschoppert9149]

I cried the first time I listened to the 9th symphony. I was 42 years old and will remember that moment for a long time.

[@1193joao]

I also remember the first time i heard it, many years ago, in the radio while my sister was cooking... also couldnt help but cry by the end of it - to this day, it never fails me to astonish me

[@majordomo9415]

I still do.

[@cafouyette2376]

I can't remember the first time I heard any of Beethoven's symphonies. My father loves classic music, I probably heard them in utero, and I'm a bit jealous of people who have been able to experience the discovery. You are very lucky !

[@GeorgeMaj15]

All mankind needs to hear this, then listen to Beethoven 9. If everyone did it openly, we'd truly begin to love each other.

[@lucygielen7479]

Today is May 7th 2024 in Australia... 200 years old ❤🎉 how wonderful to be blessed with this magnificent piece... takes the listener on a magical journey of life... thankyou Beethoven

[@PeterBrodie]

No limits to Leonard Bernstein! A natural leader in so many ways, he retained humility and openness to an extent political leaders would do well to follow. The archetypal showman who never shows off, but demonstrates integrity in every moment. And what a legacy of amazing music and lectures he's left us with! Live on, Lenny!

[@skipmurray2484]

Shame he spent so much time talking about himself and not Beethoven. His music gives me a headache .

[@tonyraja106]

Shame you missed his message

[@albertomuller212]

Very very touching, almost impossible to refrain tears in the eyes.

[@lawrenceh1405]

First saw the series this comes from - with Bernstein conducting all 9 symphonies with the Vienna Phil - in 1982 or '83. Forty years later (oh my!) the amazing depth and profundity of what Bernstein packed into these brief talks *STILL* takes my breath away.

[@AHA-ui2ep]

Beethoven's 9th Symphony is 200 years old in 2024. I sure hope there is some celebraion.

[@AllenJones-w3p]

I hope this performance of the 9th will be dedicated to Maestra Patricia Burda Janeckova, the great Slovak soprano who died of cancer last year.

[@beethovenlovedmozart]

Also marks the 24 years he took to write it. I wish I was half joking

[@sharmitoboylos7585]

this guy is brilliant and beautiful and a great composer and one of the greatest conductors and teachers of all time. Bravo, Maestro. Thank you.

[@jeancolapierrearmande3326]

Bernstein nails it merciless......he was a great pianist, conductor AND a great human being.

[@peterwiles1299]

In fact a great communicator.

[@j.lx2548]

When I was young I put little thought into what peace really is. Dates indeed Mr. Bernstein. I was 20 at the end of Viet Nam 1974 and just completed a tour in the navy. Peace? Almost 50 years now and I'm just beginning to learn. Finally huh. This much I know. If you really do listen to Beethoven's 9th Symphony you sense, feel, somehow touch peace. It's fleeting and it touches the core of ones very soul. Now, if only that moment could be captured and nurtured, to be used and practiced. We as humans will have finally evolved. Not yet however. It's silly some would say to talk of this peace. For me it is far sillier to keep making the same errors over and over and suffering in the silence of it all, as the shouts of peace go unheeded. Peace.

[@Phineas1626]

I liked your comment very much. As a misanthrope, I’m skeptical of humans’ capacity for peace in all but a fleeting sense. I consider man walking on the moon this planet’s finest moment - but you’re right, music does have the capacity to unite in a way that little else does. Any real peace would have to start there.

[@kitkat253]

While one might assert with confidence that the sapien has moved forward from say the medieval age, there is little evidence available to suggest he has moved any further and when people casually name animals in derision as man descending to their level, I am astonished as no animal is remotely as vile and evil and full of malice and cruelty and mendacity and arrogance as this pathetic creature the sapien, and those among them in positions of power are the worst, from bankers to lawyers to politicians the triad that actively and tirelessly works to take us all deeper and lower into the abyss. Redemption is far away still, perhaps not even attainable as one lunatic or another among so many may well bring this home of ours to a violent and quick conclusion. So tarry not, fill your soul with the music and the great reading and the masterpieces that others before us have bequeathed to humanity. Immerse yourself in it, till the bell tolls. Bonne chance.

[@harridan.]

when he conducted the 9th in 1989 when the Berlin wall fell, for me that is the ultimate rendition of the 9th, the most perfect piece of music ever written. this year, when 19 children and 2 teachers were murdered in Uvalde, Texas, while police did NOTHING, i find myself in my shock and grief turning to Bernstein's final performance of the 9th, i cry all of the way through it and i laugh out loud at the same time for his delightful expressions, the way he hopped up and down on the podium, 77 and terminally ill and having the time of his life, joy for the sake of joy. thank you, Mr Bernstein.

[@BIGBEN9999999]

I knew him for decades as one of the Great conductors. But clearly one of the Great Humanists as well. No wonder he gave us Beethoven as he did...

[@garypowell9006]

I had just turned 5 when Bernstein came as guest conductor of the local symphony orchestra. It was the first concert I ever heard. My parents took me because I wanted to go. I was on the third row seated directly behind the maestro. What an extraordinary moment and memory! I think my parents liked it too.

[@mjm5081]

Leonard, nearly another fifty years after your impassioned plea for peace, love, and brotherhood, I am saddened to report we may be little closer to this blessed state of being. Perhaps we've even regressed on this journey. Whichever the case, I am thankful for you, Ludwig and the others whose gifts must surely light our darkened path, lift our heavy heart, and point us toward a peace not fleeting, but forever.

[@aleasoothsayer7292]

Even today with everything going on, this still holds so much relevance. Everytime I listen to this piece of music it gives me hope again for mankind.

[@TheNewOceanic]

The cyclical nature of human behavior, as manifested in art, music, poetry, fashion, economics, and politics never ceases to amaze me.

[@VV_PaVria]

This speech works terrifically well if one plays the Adagio movement of the Ninth Symphony underneath it.

[@janandean5064]

This is MARVELOUS!!! So talented, so intelligent and God clued him, Bernstein, into what the meaning of the symphony Beethoven wrote when he was completely DEAF! Just listening to Mr. Bernstein speak Hebrew like a native, quoting Bible scriptures with Hebrew pronunciations, just made me excited. Godsays He wants everyone in Heaven. Hell was created for the Fallen Angels. And I'm always astounded, despite my music training of the talent it takes to write such a piece fully deaf. I haven't finished this yet, but just had to post this. I mean really, how many of you recognized those dates. I actually did remember the good ones. This is my favorite recording of this piece. My other favorite conductor for this is Sir George Solti and the Chicago Symphony. Be blessed everyone. I remember them tearing down the Berlin Wall at this time and people taking home pieces of it. Enjoy and look up meaning in your own language of the meaning of the 4th movement lyrics. Impressive.

[@adolfosantosart]

I’m not sure if saying “amen” is appropriate, but my heart says, “Yes, it is!” Amen!

[@CosmoConstant]

If we find life on another planet, hopefully recordings like this (and I suppose Lenny's Beethoven cycle) can be shown to the inhabitants. Lenny is one of the greatest ambassadors of humankind in the history of the modern world.

[@annedwyer797]

Beautifully said. Mankind is so fortunate to have had both Ludwig von and Lenny!

[@israelcanova]

Sometimes I ask "Why does the Beethoven's music is so beautiful?" I think with my own, the Beethoven's music bring a subject of peace to the world, however, year after year the human race are always making the same mistakes, again and again. The real brotherhood cannot exist if the human being is just think in getting power. On the other hand, I think if the world were a better place, and the people were good, maybe, the Beethoven's music would not be so wonderful!

[@billyboyblue1539]

As relevant today as ever- those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

[@mariyadepeche1658]

Bernstein is THE MAESTRO!!! I shall never forget him.

[@mrmink]

This is the trippiest thing I've seen in years!

[@TheSpectre412]

Artists deal in that which transcends conflict, and is a deeper part of humanity. It is not artists who don't understand war and humanity, it is you who do not understand the artist.

[@LISZTIZATION]

INTERESTING THAT HE IS STILL WAVING HIS BATON DURING THIS SPEECH !

[@zvonimirk.2233]

If you put any piece pf art into historical context you will get s completely different understanding of that specific art.9th is something I can't explain. I sang it with my choir and every time I hear or sing those lyrics I burst in tears. Every time!

[@riteshajoodha4401]

wow. that was deep... really amazing conductor!

[@tuxguys]

A Brilliant Oral Essay, by a Brilliant Polymath. (The overriding concept: It's All Connected.) The title seems to be appropriate, and then it seems to be misleading, and then its appropriateness is reprised in its summation. Teachers of Composition and Rhetoric will find many riches in this dissertation, whose duration is a mere six minutes-and-change.

[@Moribus_Artibus]

I fully respect Leonard Bernstein, what a genius and great speaker Whom can dislike this message? dislike I believe just proves Bernstein's point of our mad world

[@maxcornise-qh2jk]

Academic thinking is called “comparative analysis” by the great art historians. It’s a wonderful way to understand the synergy of history as a whole gesamtkunstwerk!

[@luis5d6b]

Previous comment, filled with joy for finding this video... this one after watching it is wordless, I cannot express with words how magnificent this disertation is... love it

[@alexandraciobotar4006]

Beautiful speech, deep and emotional. But I don't think about dates when I listen to the 9th S. I think about the fact that he was completely deaf, and he never heard this music he made, this incredible gift he left for all of us, I got to hear it, but he never actually got to. It's so sad. Yet his symphony is full of hope and happiness.

[@bens.664]

Beethoven wasn’t “deaf” in the way that you are thinking. He had a severe form of tinnitus which drowned out the outside auditory stimuli with internal ringing of the ears. So it’s not that he heard “silence” instead he heard a tormenting ringing that all but drowned out the external world.

[@11Kralle]

His recording of the 9th was taken for defining the playing length of the compact-disc.

[@TheSeventhLotus]

Powerful words, music and humanitarianism.

[@marthabenson6940]

Thank you for posting - still very à propos

[@luis5d6b]

Great, Thank you a million for uploading this video

[@link1628]

And now is 2024, the 200th anniversary of this masterpiece, and the world is more than ever teared apart by war...

[@thelookuplookdown]

He is, on par, with the greats. Mozart, Handel, Richard Strauss. We are richer because of you....Michael - South Africa.

[@jamesgorman7846]

Miss this side of your greatness , L. B..

[@michaelhewitt23]

That went incredibly hard.

[@schuberttim]

The thing I loved most about Beethoven's 9th was the way it builds and builds and builds until the orchestra can't build anymore and the voices spring forth to complete the sound of joy.

[@maxcohen13]

Great wisdom. Have another Kent, Lenny.

[@maestromecanico597]

Uffda. I vaguely remember watching this when it first broadcast on PBS at least 40 years ago. Gen Xers had such a treasure trove of influence to broaden our thinking ability. Pity you phishers who come along now.

[@Ludwig55555]

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.

[@natcharmusic]

1. 9th 2. 5th 3. 6th 4. 7th 5. 8th 6. 3rd 7. 2nd 8. 4th 9. 1st This is based on the symphonies as a whole, rather than each specific movement. I personally think 9 and 5 have almost perfect 10/10 movements and they both tell a story as each movement progresses, so i find them the most enjoyable to listen too. Symphony 6 has amazing movements that have a coherent story as well. The 7th movement also has strong movements, but i find the other three symphonies to have more enjoyable movements. I think the 8th symphony is the most underrated. Each movement is really strong and i love to listen to them, although the third movement is just ok. I love the 3rd’s first and last movements, but i dont find the inner movements very interesting or enjoyable to listen too. The second movement has an amazing first movement, and i think its where Beethoven starts to get his own symphonic style. The second movement is really good to, but the last two movements aren’t very enjoyable for me. The 4th movement has an exciting first movement and fourth movement, but i think this is not a very creative symphony, and the inner movements aren’t too fun to listen to. Beethoven’s first sounds exactly like what you would expect a first symphony to sound like. Not the most creative, but still a pleasant listen, although i don’t really enjoy the inner movements at all.

[@eviltomthai]

5th has to be #1 hands down. There's no argument

[@sto620]

These words should be studied in schools everywhere.

[@eviltomthai]

Even in Florida?

[@sto620]

@@eviltomthaiEspecially in Florida.

[@healthsy485]

Beautiful commentary...I wonder, if he were still alive, what would he have said about what's happening now in Palestine

[@buzzbrayable]

The prophet speaks... If only people would listen

[@jitendrabrahms195]

Startling insightful speech.

[@tjunglec]

Now for 2024. 200 years. It feels like it’s all starting all over again.

[@420SanJuan]

for everyone to play, the game must be real; and for the game to be real, everyone must play..

[@TheReverantChoir]

THIS MAN IS THE MAN

[@OceanRoadbyTonyBaker]

One beautiful human being

[@paulshi2821]

The legendary Bernstein himself, I wish I was born earlier

[@ЯрославЯр-н6г]

Вдохновляющие слова и параллели! Но очень бы хотелось продолжения с разговором о самой Музыке!..

[@marG520]

“We are all the children of one ‘father’.” Or…one supreme creator. We are all human.

[@olpmem1]

Great Man! Still waiting for a successor!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

My Mom was an older woman when I was born, and my children were born when I was older. My daughter asked about my Grandparents, born around 1888, her Grandmother was born in 1915, before Leonard Bernstein. She survived the Spanish Flu. And she remembered Armistice Day, In fact, the last conversation we had she talked of the memories she had of that day. People were shouting, hugging, crying, singing, dancing...and crying. She was barely 3, and almost 90 years later she remembered that day. My daughers are barely out of school. 1888. Three Generations away for them, two for me. They have many of their friends that have 6 or 8 generations seperating them from those dates. Beethoven's 9th. Listen to it. Share it.

[@beethovenlovedmozart]

Not a coincidence that Beethoven knew this would be his last major work (or at least high confidence) and chose the key in D minor. The key Mozart used in his last major work. Whether people want to believe or not, there was never a day that went by in his last 30 years that mozart wasn't in his head. His 9th symphony does have a hidden nod to mozarts requiem in it in which the first movement sounds similar to the ending of lacrimosa.

[@AllenJones-w3p]

Bernstein is one of the great interpreters of the Beethoven 9th.

[@ElkoJohn]

the only soldier who will see an end to war is the soldier dying but the 9th springs eternal

[@Tom-Fusillo]

He’s like the Carl Sagan of music

[@austinchaseofficial]

💯 agree

[@peresjcf]

One of the greatest!

[@eviltomthai]

Who are the others?

[@QRSC-fh2ob]

Very deep thoughts.

[@cgbleak]

A great conductor. And a great music educator. We were lucky to have him. Philosopher of history? Not really one of his strong suits.

[@yolhanson]

The title of the video is misleading. I'm still waiting for Bernstein to discuss the symphony.

[@bruhmomenthdr7575]

Same, 😂

[@ValzainLumivix]

Same

[@iguarni]

One of the best conductor in music History!

[@retf054ewte3]

I didn't know Bernstein had such great mind about politics.

[@battmann678]

were it all that simple Mr. Bernstein, were it all that simple....

[@tomjones2348]

In 2006 Daniel Barenboim conducted the 9th. Just wonderfully done. It's on youtube. It's unfortunate that Mr. Bernstein did not have access to the book "American Invasions: Canada to Afghanistan 1775-2010" by Rocky Mirza. He'd have understood that all wars are bankers wars.

[@thebookofjoy]

May I know where I can download the full video? Thanks!

[@dericho06]

All of these clips are the full videos, unfortunately. Believe me, I wish there was more!

[@robertjohnson1973]

Hey guys, is this from the Harvard lecture series or something completely different. I’d love to find it

[@2curious2us]

2017 You should see what the world looks like now.....

[@GoOKuSj33]

Imagine looking at 2024

[@kevinastraw]

There is a Hell of a long way to go.

[@DanielMulligan-ux7xl]

Who’s here after Bradley cooper’s performance of him

[@Ludicanti]

Yes, sir.

[@maxcohen13]

Uh...I wasn't being facetious, if that's what you're implying. Bernstein was notorious for pointing out the subtle bits of info regarding pieces that allows many to appreciate it all the more. However, I will admit I was being playfully sardonic when I mentioned he have another Kent (the brand he used to smoke). His voice sounded like a lawn-mower in his later years.

[@simwish6921]

I would like to hear his pupil Tar’s opinion on it

[@OZindustries]

Bravo!

[@ts3011ISRL]

PEACE in the MIDDLE EAST!

[@robertmangl6954]

Peace everywhere!

[@HarrisonHollers]

I believe Bradley Cooper is to star as Leonard Bernstein. Here’s to hoping this brilliant, inspiring man is portrayed appropriately!

[@BrucknerMotet]

Goeffrey Rush seems like a more suitable casting decision. Cooper has Leo's boyish charm but definitely has his work cut out for him in emulating Leo.

[@1510Ronald]

we will see us all together at the judgement day

[@elvisrios756]

Discuss Hava Nagila next

[@leitfie3579]

Unexpected - he hardly speaks about Beethoven at all (as he more or less acknowledges near the end) ; but it's compelling and interesting.

[@Johnny_RB]

Brilliant.

[@weltgeist2604]

0:44 Crecy UG!

[@terryhammond1253]

The great Bernstein!

[@Seekthetruth3000]

When was this recorded?

[@fieldofsky3632]

....... so what DATE was this recorded ?

[@ericwilhelm2941]

Greatest Home Run ever

[@petersuitch3129]

Beethoven’s ninth Symphony is one of the greatest works in the history of mankind. But no amount of listening to it will ever bring peace to this earth. The nations are armed with nuclear weapons, and the environment is being destroyed. However, there is a song that was written 3000 years ago promises peace on Earth. it’s found in Psalm 37 versus 10 and 11: Just a little while longer and the wicked will be no more. You will certainly look for them, but they will not be there. But the meek will possess the Earth and find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.! How will this happen? Daniel two verse 44 states: In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it will stand forever. Yes, God’s kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ will bring peace to this earth. As Jesus himself promised: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth. Matthew chapter 5, verse five.

[@dennisjanwolterding384]

You have,to love him, Old Warhorse Bernstein. He embodies what is is to be a True Liberal- a lover of knowledge, of art, of Humanity and of the Quest for the Betterment of the Universe. Alas, though, his kind--of the substance my own parents were made is extinct More's the pity for Beethoven and the Human Race.

[@nataliemozart5698]

Where is this from? Some kind of larger concert DVD?