Bernstein performs Mozart's 40th Symphony - 1/3

Leonard Bernstein gives an introduction to Mozart's G Minor Symphony before performing the first movement with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Glossary of Musical Terms
Diatonic Scale - white-note scale
Chromatic Scale - white and black-note scale
tonic - first note of a scale
dominant - fifth note of a scale (i.e. a "fifth")
fundamental tone - another name for the tonic
overtone - the important thing to know about an overtone is that it usually harmonizes with the fundamental tone due to some rules governing the frequency of sound waves

[@thaqafi]

I've seen about every piano version of Mozart's G on KZbin where the performer is absolutely focused on performing perfectly, yet I've never heard it played with such elegance as I've just witnessed Bernstein do... while giving a lesson, no less. God, what a master of music he was...

[@pstrzel]

"back safely in B flat major where we belong" - you have to live music to really appreciate that phrase.

[@HarrisonHollers]

I don’t know music but I am in awe of Bernstein’s passion for the music and for conveying to all the brilliance in the music.

[@Flyinghomeman]

Leonard Bernstein was a genius. A man who was so passionate for music that when explaining it, was shining with a godsend light! Mr Bernstein, wherever you are, God bless you!!!!

[@mrassilyer]

My love for classical music began while watching his “Young People’s Concerts” when I was a young person.

[@Whatismusic123]

He was a fool.

[@teacake_94]

I love this kinda classical music analysis stuff, shame i cant find many videos like this one elsewhere ;(

[@journeyer58]

I am enthralled with this interpretation of the Symphony in G Minor. Leonard Bernstein's lecture gives much insight into the mind of the composers and for many of us today, this is the only way we will ever get to see and hear the great masters of music performed. Thank you so much for giving us the privilege of listening to one of the greatest interpreters of symphonic music in the world.

[@wesbellmore6664]

How can one brain hold so much knowledge?? His grasp of so many types of music seems encyclopedic, plus he was a composer!

[@nycsym]

Many of the theoretical concepts explained here may be somewhat rudimentary, but Mozart's genius was how he used them in such an inventive fashion towards a highly expressive end. There were obviously other composers who knew the theory but lacked the skill to create music that touched the soul in such profound ways. Happy Birthday Wolfgang (No. 255 today!)

[@ryoushii]

Although not a musician by training, I like that Bernstein confirmed an opinion of mine that one of the reasons I like this symphony the best of Mozart's last three is the sound and structure of it, which is forward looking. This piece simply doesn't sound like the end of the 18th century, but something more properly of the 19th, or as in the 4th movement, perhaps the 20th century at times. The first time I heard this piece, Beethoven flashed into my mind although I knew it was Mozart.

[@KrishanDhanda]

best explanation of G minor symphony no 40... thanks

[@colourfulwithaU]

I saw this once before studying theory, and once after. It was fascinating both times, only now I appreciate Mozart's genius more.

[@JamesHowardYoung]

Thank you, Lenny, the greatest musical mind that America ever produced. You are missed.

[@antoniomarine1567]

I’ve watched this so many times. Never gets old. Brilliant.

[@EDGJZConglomerate]

I love listening to this guy! A genius!

[@polymath7]

Although I'm a nonmusician and a musical know-nothing, I find this utterly fascinating. I can't resist remarking that I'm more than a little surprised -and more than a little pleased- at how closely congruent is his exegesis to my own lay intuitions. I find myself saying, "Yes, that pretty much what I always thought" (consider this a boast if you like).

[@MozartsBloodline]

I love bernsteins interpretations, as a mozart lover I am honored to have interpret his music as I think only one genius can truly get into another's head where music is concerned. Thank god unlike Mozart and others, we have a recorded record of his interpretations and teachings. Imagine if we could hear Mozart speak on Music. He always nose itches like had done a few oxy's before the taping. Believe me, if you watch how many times he itches. I Unfortunately know how you cant help but itch.

[@milala6891]

music is in this man's vein! our world is so much more beautiful with music beasts like him!

[@RSTAR2009]

And, to think a 17-year-old Mozart composed it in just a few days! Ubelievable. Thank you our beloved late and legendary Leonard Bernstein!

[@contrymnon]

It takes a genius to understand a genius

[@Redtenbachersfunkestra]

Bernstein's analysis of one of my favorite pieces of music by Mozart literally (and I mean literally in true sense) takes my breath away...what a musician and what a mind...I'm humbled:-)

[@JustinTheClaw]

I had to watch this for a research project in my Music Appreciation class. It really opened my eyes to the genius that was Mozart. It also helped weed out the class considerably!

[@colourfulwithaU]

@theBike45 This was a lecture at Harvard for music students. Very appropriate for that setting.

[@organo3112]

A great communicator and yes surely there will be others to follow. His grasp and ability to enthuse and interpret make it wonderful to watch and hear.

[@TimboBandit]

Leonard Bernstein is the greatest music educator in history.

[@ouriel]

What an extraordinary ability to explain music

[@stalemate2001]

I'm speechless... this is like... indescribably magnificent... To realize that Mozart could become even more perfect terrifies me.

[@falstaff63]

Perfect explanation from one of the most authorized musicians: Leonard Bernstein. Without this kind of analysis there will be no mu

[@d7ave]

I like how he effectively explains the piece through both his words and his playing. On a random side note, does anybody else think that he kind of looks like Ian Mckellen?

[@ldsgroover]

How can anyone not like this? My mind has trouble keeping up. Pure genius!

[@lim7lim]

Thank you very much for uploading this. I've become hooked on him and am looking for everything I can find here with his incomparable explantations.

[@clskmstg]

This was a brilliant man. Thank you for posting this.

[@89ErwinR]

this is one of the most awesome music vid i've found so far!

[@baronvg]

Damn, I could listen to this all day!

[@Seit2012]

Excellent presentation!

[@ReturnOfTheStienway]

He is a genius!! I wish he would have made more piano recordings... his piano playing is excellent.

[@federricoilgrande]

Lenny era un genio, e ho avuto la fortuna di conoscerlo...Thanks God !

[@eijnay]

so great!! its intreasting, also can help us to understand and memorize

[@Haidimbya]

Che genio, che insegnante naturale. Tutto veniva facile al suo intelletto, e lo comunicava con tanta chiarezza e semplicita', senza snobismo.

[@theothercanadian]

@colourfulwithaU I'm not saying he wasn't a genius, I love Mozart. Although, I do sometimes joke that I'm glad he died before he could compose another oboe concerto - the one is killing me!!! I am by no means knowledgeable as a composer. I was telling the guy there is no way he could be impressed by this as a professional musician. My friend is TYH. If you know the acronym, you know him. I'm a high school oboist going into performance at either UT or Laurier.

[@marian444]

Beautiful!!!

[@falstaff63]

The best music teacher ever!!

[@AllTriadHexachord]

5:32 - "That's 'A'!" I personally find that to be absolutely humorous to hear someone like LB say something like that in the middle of such a lecture.

[@iguarni]

PURE GENIUS!

[@Markramier]

Blows my mind....

[@orannisthedestroyer]

he was THE MAN. Rest in peace.

[@chrish12345]

amazing

[@gavoltaire]

this is gold

[@Will84ABA]

he is deeply understanding the harmony

[@brynjarhoff-lr6hw]

There is a great difference between Karajan and Bernstein,but you have to learn and respect this two Grand Maestros.

[@ZombiAudio]

I don't think there will ever be another Bernstein, but that is okay. The world doesn't need another Bernstein because we already have the original. However, I do think that there will be another musician who understands music with a conviction as personal as Bernstein did.

[@moggiee1]

I LOVE LENNY

[@ChiChithePygo]

This has finally convinced me to cough up the $100 and buy this boxed set.

[@PTR131]

Awesome.

[@timhorton95]

Wah !! That's my type of guy for an 36 hours straight evening !

[@MassimilianoBigazzi]

This is not before performing Mozart! this is a part of the Norton Lectures!

[@colourfulwithaU]

@theothercanadian Mozart's genius was not in the fact that he used the circle of fifths, it was in the way he used it, with subtlety and very well thought out. Bernstein was a great lecturer, and great at explaining things; no one thinks he's the first to recognise the circle progression in classical music. I also live in Toronto, I am studying composition at York University. How is your friend doing at U of T?

[@shijing688]

Charming play

[@TheCuddlyDevil]

Leonrd Bernstein's ability to absorb the complexity of this piece and then explain it with such passion, ease, and naturality is absolutely inspiring. I don't think many men in this history have done what he has.

[@KinkyLettuce]

bernstein analyzed mozart's piece very clearly.

[@000borica]

Clap clap clap awsome

[@miltyu97]

I didn't think I could like Mozart more....then I saw this video.

[@Celolapia1]

As I sit here in a remote college classroom at 11:27 P.M. watching these lectures at Harvard on VHS, I think to myself. Will there ever be another Bernstein? I hope there will be, I really do..

[@alliedtechtree]

OMG THIS IS EXCELLENT yes bernstein is a great teacher! may i ask is this from his 'concert for young audiences'? thank you, much appreciated!

[@AlexToussiehChannel]

WHYYYYY does the video stop in the middle with "and you see what I mean by the beauty of ambiguity" and then I can't go on even one second more???? OUGHHH KZbin!!!!! GOOOOSH!

[@ongakubcn]

Wow...I want him to be my music teacher...!

[@ROCK5LIN]

This is from his harvard talks. Six discussions, each about an hour and a half long. You could probably find it somewhere for a reasonable price.

[@RSTAR2009]

I stand corrected!

[@theothercanadian]

@danmcglaun The concepts he talks about are rather basic, circle of fifths, chromatics etc. My friend who is studying composition at the University of Toronto says all of this material is included in the Royal Conservatory of Music's RCM Grade 3 Harmony course, which is a pre-req to get into any university.

[@Lisztman88]

I wish everyone were as literate as him.

[@3NUNS]

Thanks Leonard. Please come to tea tonight.

[@MaghoxFr]

Everytime he lay his hand on the piano beautiful sounds comes out! What a genious, he plays a complex passage and keeps talking like nothing!

[@vnguyen06]

Would love to have the transcription sheet music for this...

[@HarrisonHollers]

I believe I read that Bradley Cooper is going to portray Bernstein in an upcoming movie. I feel like I can see Cooper in this video, lecturing the students and the viewer. Hopefully they do Bernstein justice!

[@raskolnikov1873]

This is magnificent. I'm a better man for having watched this.

[@ldsgroover]

Have you made a transcription and analysis? I'd love a copy please.

[@royenw]

Trinidad Martinez Recapitulation (part of sonata form).

[@eoghdes18]

@yogi726 I do, in fact, know what I'm talking about, being an musical academic. Musicology goes far deeper than simply cultures and musical heritage. That's called ethnomusicology, and is a branch of pure musicology. If you knew what you were talking about.

[@dragmio]

8:08 - 8:15 !!! It really sounds like some 20th century "avantgarde" and he did it for fun! Mozart

[@freshhh1994]

@theBike45 Have you ever watched one of Bernstein's Young Peoples Concerts? Believe me, Bernstein knows his audience. This series of lectures are not at all aimed at a common audience, but intelligent listeners who already know their musical terminology.

[@06Bernstein]

Klasse Musik kann nicht genung bekommen.Lutz-Bernd Bernstein

[@colourfulwithaU]

@btyremanable I'm analysing that passage right now. Is it something to do with Bb7, F7, etc? Or am I missing the point?

[@colourfulwithaU]

@gentat1 It was composed for orchestra. If you want, I can send you the conductor's score with all the instruments.

[@colourfulwithaU]

The way Mozart starts the development section in the first movement is not that much of a chromatic adventure. After the Bb major cadence, the chords that follow are: D7, Gm, Ddim7. There is chromaticism in that, but it's not much of an adventure. :P The only real turn is the Ddim7. D7 and Gm are both within the exposition already. If it wasn't for Bernstein I wouldn't understand music, though. Awesome.

[@tagalogkurt]

My musical mind just jizzed all over the place.

[@gentat1]

Hey, anybody know where i could get the piano score for this song??

[@fcmilsweeper9]

can someone list all the scale types he talked about? What types are there besides Major, Minor, Mixo, Dorian, Blues? (I know obviously a ton but what are they? Could really use some help!!!)

[@StevenOBrien]

@jrfitz88 It's Bernstein groaning to the music, he did this while conducting too, I assume because it helped him "get into it".

[@misha5019]

Wow, he's coked out of his mind! Another reason to love Lenny!

[@stratobanez]

can anyone tell me, wich TV appearance of Bernstein is this?

[@twaddler01]

He is genius.

[@juhole]

He seems like he is in an entirely different world when he plays. In a good way :D

[@colourfulwithaU]

You'd be surprised how common the circle progression is. It's not unique to Mozart. Bernstein left out a few things about it. For example, if you play dominants through the circle of fifths (G7, C7, F7, Bb7, Eb7, etc) you will notice a pattern which is not only downward and chromatic, but also contained within tritones existing as chord tones (as we know, every dominant chord contains a tritone). The chromatic line Bernstein described jumps from 3rds to 7ths to 3rds to 7ths. Interesting, eh? :)

[@rahuul1414]

Isn't the first overtone of the overtone series the 2nd Harmonic, or one octave above the fundamental pitch/frequency? Why did Bernstein call the first overtone a fifth above G?

[@sugarcookiecoffee9463]

where are parts 2 and 3??

[@paulostroff99]

Awesome.Lennie was irrplaceable. TY e for posting.

[@Finadene671]

@danmcglaun The movie Amadeus would put you in the same shoes as Salieri: Love and hate, equally intense, for the same reason and same person.

[@justTrinidad]

Can some please tell me the word he uses at 4:20. Starts with a r and sounds something like recurperculation? Thanks in advance.

[@peirce955]

recapitulation is what he said.

[@justTrinidad]

Thank you :-)

[@Sviolinist]

Scary, huh. Actually, though, there's so many hours of this man teaching on recording out there.... I could watch it all too

[@fritocheeto]

A diatonic scale is not necessarily all white notes.

[@khurmiful]

At 2:03 is it Aflat or Dflat major?

[@falstaff63]

musicians at all, or what do you think we do at Conservatory?