Leonard Bernstein talks about the Beatles

Excerpts from the documentary Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution, originally broadcast April 25, 1967.

[@JumpStartation]

This documentary came out in April 1967, eight months after the release of Revolver (with an altered track listing for North American release) and two months after the double A-side “Penny Lane” / “Strawberry Fields Forever”. Sgt. Pepper would follow in a little over a month.

[@nickchambers3935]

If only they'd waited a few weeks to record this. Just imagine what he'd have to say about Sgt Pepper

[@hepphepps8356]

@@nickchambers3935 It didn't really advance that much musically from Revolver. Almost the opposite.

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

@@hepphepps8356 I agree.

[@melomane2010]

Cool then Leonard was just a few weeks away from having his mind totally blown. I think he of all people might have the authoritative opinion on the Beatles based on his brilliant observations here. I'd love to hear his thoughts on "I am the Walrus" as well.

[@carl_anderson9315]

Wow, Bernstein praising The Beatles when they were not even at their prime!

[@howardgreenman2908]

I was 15 years old in 1967 when I saw this TV broadcast with my parents who hated Rock and Roll. I still remember my feeling of total vindication.

[@snidelywhiplash]

Indeed. I would have been right there with you... "But Mooom, the Maestro said...!"

[@danielgautreau161]

I recall another tv show by him about that time about some pop music he liked. In particular I recall he liked Pretty Ballerina by the Left Banke.

[@JoseDiaz-so6hf]

Good for you! :)

[@rickmorrow993]

In November of 1967 i turned 12. In December I left the states for Guam. Imagine coming back to the states in the Spring of 1970 like I did. It seemed like a different country. It was a shock for me. Mowing 30 lawns a week in the tropics and getting 2nd degree sunburns for four consecutive weekends made me the darkest white guy in California, but my military style haircut was what made me stand out. Absolutely nobody my age had short hair like mine in 1970.

[@exoplanet11]

@@rickmorrow993 Interesting. My parents left the US in 1966 to join the Peace Corps. They returned (with a baby, me) in 1970, living in San Francisco. They report the same feeling...coming back to an almost unrecognizable country.

[@NicolaLarosa]

"That's the Beatles, always unpredictable, a bit more inventive than most." What a great quote.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Funny, I find that quote as damning them with faint praise.

[@seltaeb3302]

Sadly no mention of George Martin. If they had signed for Decca then their music would have been less inventive, no orchestral touches & more. Let's say the Stones had signed for EMI Parlophone Abbey Rd, George Martin. Wow. A bit freaky..🤪

[@tomzeeh6618]

A "bit" more inventive? C'mon, Lenny. Or were you being ironic?

[@tomrogerlilleby2890]

And add to that that their knowledge of music theory was very limited. (But their producer, George Martin, knew a thing or two.)

[@anthonyparkinson5544]

He also admired Cream

[@JeffSchall]

Can you imagine how absolutely thrilled George Martin must have felt when he heard this musical breakdown from such a legend?

[@TheRedstonedeluxe]

Great point!

[@bowtoyoursensei554]

Right?

[@mozart9991]

Or imagine how John Lennon and Paul McCartney felt, since they wrote all the songs in question (with the exception of George Harrison's "Love You To").

[@jsullivan2112]

Here we go again....

[@darrellkramer8097]

True. George Martin did do a lot of the work, and Paul and John wrote most of the songs. Who did the Beatles get for the last album? Some no-name producer? Wow! I wonder what it be like if Bernstein took George Martin’s place as Beatle’s producer/arranger.

[@TickleSalty]

Bernstein had once said that The Beatles “A Day In The Life.” was as an inspirational a piece as he’d ever heard, an absolute masterpiece.

[@colinturner4158]

A day in the life one of my fav Beatles songs brilliant

[@nacienlos70]

Ask Pink _Floyd. They constructed several song if not albums on the same concept.

[@edinags]

It is a master piece indeed thanks to the fifth Beatle George Martin

[@silviocaesar]

@@edinags true, George Martin was crucial, instrumental (pun intended) in the arrangements (although many times the beatles -- especially Paul -- knew what they wanted in the song. Nevertheless, none of it would've been possible if it weren't for Harrison, Mccartney and Lennon, after all it was them who wrote the songs in the first place

[@colinturner4158]

Probably my favourite beatles song class

[@andrewpfaff6152]

I love how he sincerely digs the music.

[@johnshannon9656]

That's what I was thinking, too. He's not afraid to point out the sonic limitations but he's obviously into what is done within those limitations.

[@ivanjulian2532]

Bernstein didn't know it at the time, but he later became aware of George Martin's role regarding all the wonderful orchestrations Bernstein was getting into. He knew something very special was happening, he just didn't know who exactly was involved. But he had a great ear, he recognised The Beatles were way out of the ordinary.

[@peteb1206]

This is the man who in 1957 wrote West Side Story, laden with the same oddities and intricacies he's pointing out here. It would be somewhat hypocritical were he not to favourably recognise these same innovations in chart music a decade later.

[@山川川山]

That’s his job

[@louise_rose]

Bernstein was very much a bridge between the idioms of serious and popular music - and he had boundless enthusiasm for music. He was better equipped than most people to understand what the Beatles were doing and their cultural importance.

[@FreshRose-z3s]

This man was a musical genius himself but he was humble enough to see raw talent and give kudos to others

[@andrekunkel1520]

Beautifully open minded. Not stuck in any preconceived musical ditch

[@tangibleandroid285]

Not just to others but to these new fandango'd rock kids. Kudos to him.

[@colinluckens9591]

Yeah fair play to him👍👍👍...

[@colinluckens9591]

@@andrekunkel1520 One hopes that ALL TRUE LOVERS OF MUSIC would be humble and open enough to be the same way....

[@georgekosich5563]

He only likes 5% of the Beatles output and called the rest trash. Clean your ears out, people. Lol

[@r2a9l6l8s]

As a young conductor I had the opportunity to work with Bernstein over a 10 day period as he was preparing a concert with the Vienna Philharmonic. At our first meeting, in his suite at the Hotel Sacher, I was blown away by the gigantic Bösendorfer concert grand the hotel staff had brought into the front sitting room. What blew me away even more was what I saw on the music lyre of the piano. I was excited by the prospect of finding something unique; the next "big thing" that Lenny was working on, etc. As I stepped closer, I didn't see any orchestral scores, no piano/vocal editions of any operas, not even any manuscript paper. No, the only thing on the piano lyre was a small Beatles' song book. Over the years, when any 'classical' musician has turned up his/her nose at the mere mention of 'pop' music, I relish telling that story.

[@lynby6231]

He recognised that they were an anomaly, that they represented an up shift in musics evolution.

[@nickk8416]

That is truly a great story! I'll treasure that.

[@bowtoyoursensei554]

@@lynby6231 Which is what is meant when people say that The Beatles revolutionized rock n roll forever. Silly pop music became true art.

[@carl_anderson9315]

Bernstein is like the cool school teacher that makes you keep talking in your way out after class is over.

[@basildavidson4597]

The influence of their producer George Martin on the Beatles music should not be forgotten. He came from a background in producing Classical music and introduced a great deal of the elements Bernstein refered to.

[@SolarMumuns]

Actually, although GM arranged the orchestral elements, he by his own admission had no input when it came to writing the songs: the elements that Bernstein refers to are central to the songs, not arranging features. In short, you don't need to be classically trained to create complex or innovative music.

[@robbiemichaels2347]

George Martin was fantastic but he had no input at all into writing the music. The genius of Lennon and McCartney is evident in their melodic chord progressions and brilliance

[@regaltip8A]

Don't underestimate Geoff Emerick the engineer on many of their albums.

[@saveourrivers]

I wonder if Bernstein knew anything about George Martin, and whether the two ever communicated.

[@brianwilson3952]

@@saveourrivers I should think he did. George was legendary even back then.

[@dynjarren8355]

Leonard Bernstein respected the Beatles. He recognized genius when he heard it! And he wrote the music for West Side Story which has some of the most memorable melodies and songs ever! 🎸👏🏻😎

[@miguelurdaci7884]

I'm stuck on "even".

[@melissamell1785]

Leonard Bernstein - West Side Story.

[@Art-is-craft]

Bernstein is tolerating the Beatles but at no point is he a fan of that era of music.

[@dynjarren8355]

@@Art-is-craft I disagree. He sounds like an admirer and fan of the Beatles. He was impressed with their innovative songs.

[@Art-is-craft]

@@dynjarren8355 No he is tolerating that era of popular music and clearly wants to give the youth a break. If Bernstein had of understood that the decline would not just stop with the Beatles era music and just snowball down hill to basic patterns squeaking out of a pre programmed software system with robotic filtered voices he may not have been as kind to music of the Beatles era.

[@Revelian1982]

I love it when professionals analyse The Beatles. It highlights their genius talent and groundbreaking excellence.

[@the_Rade]

Yeah, the 5%

[@cahillgreg]

Bernstein speaking from atop an assumed musical hierarchy where the vantage point of 'high culture' positions itself as all seeing and then deigns to allow a degree of recognition for 'low culture' forms of expression.

[@pelodelperro]

@@cahillgreg Not at all. He's giving *musical* explanations as to why he likes some of the music the Beatles wrote. When he says that most of pop music works with few compositional resources he's stating a fact, not a judgment of value.

[@nymets9559]

@@cahillgreg Agree completely. The irony in a lot of classically trained players is they very rarely compose anything original themselves to a high level. They translate what is written down like a machine, told what to think and what to feel. That kind of laborious process takes everything I love away from music. I admire musicians who compose original songs, have been through the shit and can express themselves without being conducted to or praised because they can play complex melodies because Mummy & Daddy could afford to pay for private music lessons for over 10 years. I would be more shocked if they couldn't play after that. When Jimi Hendrix was a kid all he had was a broomstick to pretend to play guitar. He appreciated the instrument a lot more when he finally got his hands on a real one.

[@Imw101]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_a_Second_Time

[@fibboobbif]

Thats what makes Bernstein one of the GREATEST ever... He knew what is outstanding.

[@AC-mp7cx]

beatles werent close to outstanding

[@durosempre4470]

@@AC-mp7cx Have you listened to their songs?

[@JonnyRollin]

Bernstein and The Beatles-both maestros, although hearing Leonard sing "She Said" like a medieval minstrel was more than weird.

[@anthonyparkinson5544]

He said he wish that he had a better singing voice

[@alangrice4062]

My favourite bit. I love how someone with the most musical ears can still just not sing for shit.

[@hiredgunscotty]

I would have paid big bucks just to see him run through various beatles songs in that same style.

[@Peter-ih2tn]

@@alangrice4062 of course he could sing, lets not make the mistake of confusing singing abilty with a good VOICE

[@alangrice4062]

@@Peter-ih2tn Not sure I really understand the distinction you are making there.

[@SW-fn7cl]

Eleanor Rigby - I won't ever get over how great that song is. Known it since I was a kid but it becomes greater every time I listen to it. Those strings and harmonies my god. It's so sad and beautiful, then the song ends so soon, much like life. Never heard Bernstein speak until now what an eloquent gentleman he was.

[@sitarnut]

Sam, we miss him so much..no one left on the planet with his class, grasp of things musical..try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faWVq6iYfch4iJY, and if you're a musician this is epic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIDPq6Ocep2Vi80

[@artiefount]

Yes. They used to teach proper English-to the common man even.

[@1956gaba]

My dad (a musician himself) said Eleanor Rigby was a mind blower!

[@MrMjolnir69]

He loved "Tommy" too. Ran backstage to grab Pete. Respect.

[@sgbh8874]

A song beyond brilliance.

[@ashoakwillow]

Anyone who can write masterpieces like West Side Story deserve a hearing..

[@favouritemoon4133]

It's wild and utterly amazing now 60 years later to be able to listen to someone with such heightened musical and technical knowledge [and who was known for it at the time] explaining how good/rad/wild The Beatles were.

[@BillyBronco73]

This is a little gem of a find. A musical genius talking about the Beatles at their zenith in 1967.

[@phatato]

Agree!

[@randolphpinkle4482]

Bernstein may be able to analyze the music, but that doesn't mean he could create it. A totally different musical sensibility.

[@neil7137]

@@randolphpinkle4482 different sensibility and era of music indeed. But as someone in the comment section commented said, "anyone who has written masterpieces like WSS deserves to be heard". And I think it's right.

[@Bricameron]

I’m just reminded again how incredible The Beatles were.

[@Art-is-craft]

They are incredible when compared to music of today but in that era they were a step down from the previous era.

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

@@Art-is-craft Nonsense.

[@nbeutler1134]

@@Art-is-craft😂😂😂

[@Art-is-craft]

@sandpiper9288 Glen Miller, Irving Berlin, Sinatra and much more. I am talking about the generation of music not so much the actual Beatles.

[@Art-is-craft]

@sabbracadabra8367 Beatles cannot play like miller bands nor can they write like Irving or sing like Martin.

[@ThefightingCelt]

My school music teacher was an advocate of all things classical until he heard and fell in love with The Beatles . He said they opened his mind to different forms of music .

[@JBorda]

The Beatles are a miracle to human kind.

[@mikerichardson4618]

Lennon/McCartney were the greatest songwriters on Earth.

[@Alpha-Andromeda]

@@mikerichardson4618 ... on earth? You must mean “in pop music”. Which could be correct. When you say “on earth” you show how little music of the world you have actually listened to.

[@rosscampbell1173]

@@Alpha-Andromeda I have listened to every song ever recorded and I can confirm that the Beatles are the best on the earth ever!

[@TheSaltydog07]

So is Johnny Mercer.

[@Alexandra_Indina]

@Benny Goodman don't forget BEE Gees...

[@bluetortilla]

Bernstein was the best. I love listening to him whatever he talks about. He's always enlightening. Thank God for video.

[@Kupcho58]

We were damn lucky to have been alive in the 60's. Sooo much happened in sooo little time. In music, lifestyles, art, journalism, science, politics...pretty much everything. Music was my thing. Music still IS my thing. I wore a lot of albums down listening to them so many times. And although there were several other truly progressive bands around back then, in my opinion The Beatles lead the way. They played EVERYTHING; Pop...Blues...Rock n Roll...Ballads...Rhythm and Blues...Country...Psychedelic music...Anthems...Chamber music...played it backwards, sideways and more. And (imo) they did it VERY WELL. I do believe that The Beatles were lucky to have been starting out just as technology was making several things available for the first time; International travel, multi-track recording, television, etc... The world was ready for a change too. WE got lucky, that out of all the talent available at the time, we got these four kids that just happened to be honest to God musical geniuses that grabbed our attention. And a producer who wasn't afraid to try something different and also had the talent to take their ideas and made them happen. Anyway...to any Beatle that may ever read this; THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Yeah...I know...not damn likely, but you never know (heheh).

[@lynnturman8157]

Unlike most 20th century composers of classical music, Bernstein had a great gift of melody. Inside those orchestral pieces he composed were very catchy melodies. He was unique in that way. So if any classically trained composer would appreciate the Beatles, it would be him.

[@BostonBobby1961]

Always remember, the Beatles arranger and producer was indeed classically trained. George Martin. I believe he was the catalyst if you will, that knew how to tap into their raw talent. Martin made, Lennon and McCartney's ideas happen.

[@walktheworld]

@@BostonBobby1961 Arrangers get far too little credit. In a fair world they would get a partial writing credit.

[@BostonBobby1961]

@@walktheworld Paul Buckmaster was my idle as far as arrangers ago. George Martin also. Thom Bell was another behind the scenes arranger composer who helped shape the Philadelphia Sound back in the 70s

[@walktheworld]

@@BostonBobby1961 That's interesting. Thank you for the info.

[@erikvrielink2212]

06:22 Watch Leonard smile when he talks about the string quarted in Eleanor Rigby! Its priceless.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

He loved the Beatles :) He's my favorite conductor, but seeing him here, so open, singing the songs... this guy was something!

[@StevelaFrench]

I loved how he has this beatific expression on his face and says simply: "Curious"

[@exoplanet11]

My guess is that he says "Curious" because he is thinking to himself about how brilliant was the Beatles' use of Dorian mode in Eleanor Rigby, and his facial expression comes when he realizes that his audience of swing-era parents wouldn't be able to appreciate this genius, and he'll have to leave it at that. For modes in the Beatles, see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIqZnqd5gJ6CfJY

[@KieranMcgovern]

Though he may not have been aware then of the crucial role of George Martin in these musical innovations. Martin had to convince the ‘string sceptical’ McCartney to experiment on Eleanor Rigby and, of course, wrote the arrangement (none of the Beatles could read/write music. The piccolo trumpet on Penny Lane was his idea, too. Like Bernstein, Martin could recognise musical possibilities that were beyond the reach of the band.

[@dickon728]

@@KieranMcgovern He fitted in there pretty well then.

[@ricardomarques5639]

The beatles are by far the most groundbreaking and most influential band of all time, they were incredible. Not just the music but the way they looked, their fashion and hairstyle was so different while everyone was sporting crew cuts lol after the beatles came along every body started growing their hair. Ahead of their time. We are so lucky they even existed lol

[@annaclarafenyo8185]

The Beatles were extremely creative musicians who destroyed their brains on drugs. The disintegrating brain produces some extremely interesting patterns right before it dies. That's why Bernstein was surprised by it.

[@Andytheashton]

@@annaclarafenyo8185 don’t be so ridiculous 😂

[@timhancock6626]

@@annaclarafenyo8185 So what have you been taking to write such trash ? The American obsession with handing out guns like confetti to people of unsound mind did the real damage in case you have forgotten.

[@danielgautreau161]

They taught the record companies to let the musicians decide what music to compose, play, and record. The Beatles needed no A&R (Artist & Repertoire) man.

[@kreek22]

In terms of their music, they achieved no innovation. They were the best second-hand dealers around.

[@M5guitar1]

I saw Bernstein at the Hollywood Bowl playing Rhapsody in Blue before he died. It was wonderful and was glad that I was able to see the master.

[@danielafreedman]

I saw Lenny at the Hollywood Bowl and he conducted Fanfare for the common Man by Copland, his own Symphony Kaddish and Beethoven's 6th. The best bit was the Beethoven which was truly amazing. It was like the orchestra became a single instrument. Glorious.

[@AndySalinger33]

@@wallacecleaver4485 my thought, exactly! 😂🤣🎯

[@armandomartinez8957]

I did too! I was able to go backstage and have him sign my copy of the score. Somewhere in storage I have it framed with the program page.

[@OK-ul9kr]

You sure it was before he died?

[@AndySalinger33]

@@OK-ul9kr 😂👍

[@olihhayes]

Imagine being 24 year-old Paul McCartney hearing Leonard Bernstein speak this highly of your band's music. I'd go in the studio and make Sgt Pepper's too

[@cactaceous]

McCartney would certainly have cared. Lennon certainly would have not. McCartney around this time was beginning to make a lot of very corny, cheesy music full of schmaltz. Alienating Lennon and Harrison who greatly disliked them. He went into the studio to make Pepper yet Lennon’s songs were the superior ones. Same as in The White Album and in Abbey Road.

[@billbailey7193]

⁠@@cactaceous…what, Paul was past that stage by now. Magical Mystery tour is Paul at his songwriting best….Fool on the Hill, Magical Mystery Tour, Hello Goodbye, Your Mother Should Know, Penny Lane. Astonishing level of writing….Lennon had very little to do with any of those songs…but to give him credit he did come up with Srawberry fields and All You Need is Love

[@cactaceous]

@@billbailey7193 That was the stage. Penny Lane is beauty parlor music. Fool on the Hill, Hello Goodbye, Your Mother Should Know are the epitome of corny, cheesy schmaltz. Magical Mystery Tour the song I like. Give me Strawberry Fields, I Am The Walrus, Blue Jay Way, Baby You’re A Rich Man any day.

[@steverobbins9263]

@@cactaceous well at this time Paul also wrote FIXING A HOLE and SHE'S LEAVING HOME, two of the best songs The Beatles made during this period. Not to mention that without his contributions A DAY IN THE LIFE would not be the masterpiece that it is. I do agree that John's songs on the "White Album" far outclassed Paul's, but then Paul wrote HEY JUDE during that time, which is as good as anything John (or George) wrote during that time. Many would argue it's their best song (the other candidates are usually YESTERDAY or A DAY IN THE LIFE). As for ABBEY ROAD, most of John's songs on it are weak in and of themselves. COME TOGETHER is a great rock track, but only because of the band's arrangement, not because the songwriting is great (and certainly not because of the nonsense lyrics). It's really the drums and bass that make that song. And John had nothing to do with that. I WANT YOU (SHE'S NO HEAVY) is another great track as far as the music goes, but, again, it's the arrangement that makes it great, not its inherent compositional qualities, which are pretty average (and the lyrics are even weaker than those of COME TOGETHER). BECAUSE is great because of its three-part harmony. Take that out, and all you've got is a really pretty song, but one that not many would remember (it's not that different from John's solo song LOVE, which no one but hardcore Lennon fans have ever even heard of). George wrote the two best tracks on that album. But the genius of that album is the assembly of different songs into medleys on Side 2. And that was Paul's idea. Individually, each one of those songs is pretty weak (apart from YOU NEVER GIVE ME YOUR MONEY and SHE CAME IN THROUGH THE BATHROOM WINDOW, which, by the way, are both Paul songs). But put together it's genius. And that was all Paul.

[@cactaceous]

@@steverobbins9263 We don’t share the same opinions because to start, Fixing a Hole is only made a good song by Martin’s production and She’s Leaving Home is one of McCartney’s signature corny old timey cheesy songs that he would end up pursuing for years to come, again, made slightly passable by George Martin’s production which is the saving grace in that Pepper album. It’s Martin’s album more than anything. Again, I would rather listen to Rain or Tomorrow Never Knows or I’m Only Sleeping or I Am The Walrus or perhaps The Beatles’ best song Strawberry Fields Forever over Hey Jude any day. Let alone Yesterday. A Day In The Life is a masterpiece. A truly collaborative enterprise between Lennon, McCartney and again, Martin’s impecable production. Come Together’s lyrics are some of the bands best. The guitars impecable. She’s So Heavy is prog before prog and a truly original piece of work specially during that tripped out coda. Because is the harmony. Without the three part harmony or sung simply by Lennon alone. Fantastic lyrics as well. A lot of great word play. Sun King is another great song that would have fit on any Beatles album from Rubber Soul on. Mean Mr Mustard and Polythene Pam are slightly unfinished yet very catchy sketches that serve as an adrenaline rush to start off a set of unfinished musical sketches patched together rather masterfully by George Martin, again.

[@LanceHall]

It's fascinating watching a classical person enjoying and appreciating the Beatles.

[@tj-kv6vr]

judgmental much?

[@richsackett3423]

@@tj-kv6vr a little self-awareness can be attractive.

[@samaldini]

Bernstein is a pathetic fabrication talking about another pathetic fabrication.

[@Tolstoy111]

Bernstein wrote broadway shows too

[@Richard-mh5ll]

@@samaldiniYa OK Sure

[@koshersalaami]

At that point a lot of non-rock musicians and listeners didn’t get that there was anything of value in pop yet. Bernstein would have noticed details like Please Please Me being built on vocal pedal point, which was really unusual and was also extremely early in their writing and recording career. And their evolution was astounding, unparalleled. They went from Please Please Me to A Day In The Life (after this recording by Bernstein) in under five years. To my knowledge, no one has ever evolved that far that fast, not when the starting point is an international hit.

[@Revelian1982]

What is a vocal pedal point?

[@koshersalaami]

@@Revelian1982 A vocal pedal point is when one singer sings the same note over and over while another singer sings a melody against it. In Please Please Me, two singers start on the same note, then one starts singing a scalar melody downward while the other stays on the original note, so the voices diverge. In piano, pedal point is typically done with the two voices alternating and the note staying in the same place being played on the off beats (because what it’s doing is less melodically interesting). This shows up for a few measures in Beethoven’s Fuer Elise. Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWiUepJ7jK-ebas. The pedal point is at about 1:10.

[@Revelian1982]

@@koshersalaami Thanks for the explanation.

[@koshersalaami]

@@Revelian1982 No problem. It just occurred to me there’s a more famous example in the Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor. Actually, in that there are multiple examples. Now if you listen you’ll hear it. Then you can tell people “Oh yeah, listen to that pedal point.”

[@chrishrycyk5797]

Brian Wilson is the man

[@MikeGervasi]

When Leonard met Townshend after hearing Tommy he grabbed his face and said "Do you realize what you've done?" Lenny was hip to it all.

[@josephcalderone9687]

What's that got to do with the Beatles... it's not Berstein talks about the Who

[@alexandersakulin3127]

Really cool

[@megazoned3973]

@@josephcalderone9687 chill ... it’s a great anecdote which piggybacks on the theme of this video being Bernstein’s hipness and familiarity with pop music.

[@danielafreedman]

Saw The Who perform Tommy. It was amazing, especially Keith Moon who flailed the drums to the very end of existence and beyond!

[@mikefannon6994]

Daniel Freedman: I too saw the Who do entire Tommy in 1970 in Atlanta. Moon was going nuts, leaned back to hit that big gong behind him and tumbled right off his stool! A roadie was right there to put him back, he never missed a beat! By the way, the Allman Bros. was the opening band. What a night of rock & roll!

[@eddiewinters7184]

Bernstein understood the Beatles and their music.

[@LanceHall]

The original Rick Beato.

[@Glicksman1]

Even Rick would disagree with that. Really!

[@thomascarmichael6659]

@@Glicksman1 Out of humility he probably would but I'd say he'd be wrong. There's no substantive difference between what Bernstein does here and Rick's What Makes This Song Great format. I would go so far as to say Beato's knowledge of theory is almost (note, almost) the rival of Bernstein's.

[@Glicksman1]

@@thomascarmichael6659 We must agree to disagree. I appreciate Ricks's talent and knowledge, but I think Rick has a long way to go, I mean a really long way before he even approaches Bernstein in any way.

[@Glicksman1]

@Norm Meunier No one HAS to learn music theory and depending upon what you want to do in music, it can be a mental handicap. A novel may be spelled correctly and be grammatically perfect and still suck. Technical ability and/or knowlege does not equate to or guarantee creative ability. The ability to record videos has absolutely nothing to do with music or musical ability. Non-musical skills are fine but that's not what I'm discussing. I completely disagree with just about everything you wrote, so before we start calling each other names, let's just part friends who disagree on this matter.

[@JimC]

@Norm Meunier "Today's musicians often have a necessity to learn marketing, accounting, public relations, book travel plans, do radio and television interviews, learn about packaging of their products, play a host of instruments and so on." Outside of the modern stuff, what the heck do you think Mozart and Handel had to do? "But guys like Rick even have to fight with lawyers to get fair use videos back online. Bernstein would never have to spend time fighting pond-scum bureaucrats and lawyers." Someone PAID for the rights for the music Bernstein used. And the stakes are MUCH higher now. If you or Rick created some top-of-the-charts music that was being widely shared for free, you'd also be using "pond-scum bureaucrats and lawyers." "I've listened to my fair share of classical works and I can confidently say a lot of that genre is full of clunkers." True of ANY area, including all kinds of music. Sturgeon's Law: "90% of everything is crap". "Those are much loftier goals than what Bernstein was able to accomplish." I seem to remember someone recently using the words "pompous" and "snobs". Now who could it have been? It'll come to me.

[@babarayhey]

This brings to mind Rick Beato's what makes this song great series. A musical analysis of great pop music by a highly musically educated person. In this case the most respected conductor/composer of the 20th century.

[@craigberry4051]

Yep, was thinking the exact same thing!

[@fearlessstudios1]

Was just thinking this

[@terrythekittieful]

Howard Goodall (He did the music for Blackadder and other British shows) did something similar to what Bernstein is doing here. He analyzed the Beatles for a good hour or so and it should be still available here on YT. That's worth checking out.

[@73challenger5031]

Rick is Da' Man!!!

[@Historian212]

Bernstein had such a passion for educating the public about music, broadening peoples' horizons. He did a series of concerts for "Young People" in which he taught kids to appreciate classical music by having the orchestra play, then stopped to talk to the audience -- mostly kids -- about what they were hearing. The concerts were also broadcast via public TV, what later became the PBS network. So it's cool that in embracing popular music, he addressed the older generations, too. Quite a guy.

[@CC007]

I have a bootleg of this documentary...I wasn't born yet. My older cousin was about 15 when this aired in '67. She remembers watching it at a friend's house whose father completely hated The Beatles, Stones, Byrds, Dylan. He was a classical nut and felt Pop Music was all "jibberish noise" but then to have Leonard Bernstein give these artists total validation, he couldn't say a word after that. He continued to watch, but he was stubborn about it. What I also love about this, is that Brian Wilson who was in the middle of The Beach Boys' "Smile" project previewed "Surf's Up" at home on his piano for this special. His segment was filmed in December '66, and the buzz alone from that performance made everyone anxious for "Smile"...unfortunately it never came out. I hope this special gets an official release, it's really interesting to watch, very much a time capsule of what was happening in music and society at the time.

[@rufus-t415]

It takes a genius like Leonard Bernstein to understand the genius of The Beatles.

[@anthonyparkinson5544]

West Side Story is my favourite musical. It is overflowing with tremendous songs

[@robbiepeterh]

What a wonderful testimony to the brilliance of the Beatles, who broke down musical, social and sexual barriers. They were just brilliant.

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

The most astonishing display of brilliance is (IMHO) the White Album. It has everything. Listen to "Honey Pie" - it's like 1930s crooner-music, like Bunny Berigan's "I can't get started". And then, in the same album: "Helter Skelter". Wow.

[@spanishmasterpieces5203]

The beatles were not the first!

[@chikkipop]

@@spanishmasterpieces5203 In fact, they were! And in many respects. True, they weren't the first astronauts, but if you want to seriously contend they weren't revolutionary innovators in popular music you've got serious problems in your understanding. ;-)

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

@@ColonelFredPuntridge Both written by the same person: McCartney!

[@AC-mp7cx]

they were overrated

[@charlesstuart7290]

i waited on Mr. Bernstein at my family's restaurant. Even during the meal he was giving a symposium on music he had just heard.

[@griffinm4224]

Leonard must've been quite a fan of revolver!

[@JumpStartation]

This documentary came out in April 1967: eight months after the release of that album and two months after the double A-side “Penny Lane” / “Strawberry Fields Forever”.

[@theremixproject907]

Revolver was the first Beatles LP to sell as fast as a 45 rpm. It was the year I was graduating from high school & beginning an 8 year on-air radio career. The first time I played it, I knew I had to buy a better stereo. In so many ways, Revolver raised the bar and inspired the explosion of experimentation in the recording studios around the world, blessing us with an unforgettable era of great musical experiences.

[@augmentedkeys5971]

As he should have been...

[@yes_head]

@@theremixproject907 This is why I've never agreed with the premise that Revolver and Rubber Soul are two sides of the same coin. To me Rubber Soul is an extension and refinement of the folk rock style the Beatles launched into on Help!, whereas Revolver is on an entirely new plane altogether. Yes, there are textures and complexities in some songs on Rubber Soul that you can link to Revolver, but again I don't see them as closely bound as others do.

[@theremixproject907]

@@yes_head I remember a comment that Revolver marked the beginning of Beatles Part Two. The end of the dog & pony trek from one gig to another to promote new albums gave the boys a whole new set of objectives and a much appreciated life style change. To their credit, they never stopped inventing & creating, even after the breakup. I think I heard John comment how bored he got counting all his money day after day, so what else was he supposed to do.

[@gds4079]

It's great to hear a great man talk about a great band!

[@nev7711]

A genius respecting fellow musical geniuses. The Beatles and Mr Leonard Bernstein were a gift from God.

[@spactick]

Finally someone has something nice to say about the Beatles. I get tired of the people trashing them. They deserve a little respect

[@kosmosyche]

One if the most legendary respected and loved rock band there ever was. Who are those sad individuals trashing them? 60+ years and people still know their tunes.

[@spactick]

@@kosmosyche unfortunately you never hear their music on the radio (which I listen to) anymore. seems they've been allotted to the 'oldies' or 'vintage rock' channels that have poor ratings at best

[@spactick]

@@Richard-mh5ll ha! what's to figure? it's simple, have 4-7 people work on a 2-3 minute song for awhile and they're bound to come up with something

[@spactick]

@@Richard-mh5ll ha! I probably could but would rather spend my time on more important things like watching paint dry

[@MariaAyub-ma-sentient24]

It is such a pleasure to hear him speak; he was so enriching when he spoke about music and had great style.

[@brianmason8205]

Such was the brilliance of The Beatles, that here is admiration, respect and approval for their inventiveness, diversity and originality by the great composer Leonard Bernstein, who composed the brilliant music of West Side Story. Compliments don't get much bigger than that!

[@flashflame4952]

And to know that NONE of The Beatles could read or write music made it all extra special. Thank you Mr Bernstein for knowing good music and appreciating it.

[@mendax1773]

There was an interview I heard on NPR perhaps twenty years ago (I think it was on the "Fresh Air" program) of one of Bernstein's daughters. She said that while on road trips he'd tune the car radio to a rock and roll station so his kids could listen to what they enjoyed but then would turn it off at the end of the song and give a quick academic lecture containing an analysis of it as a piece of music, not unlike what Bernstein is doing in this video.

[@rebekahlevy4562]

He has so much fun...and has to keep himself from totally rocking out while he's "lecturing" to his audience. So generous, not having to "protect" his particular professional corner. This is because he already loved and understood jazz, blues, and the Latin music of his day (you hear all of this in HIS music). Plus, I think he had a crush on the Fab Four. He swung every which way...

[@MoofEMP]

i mean who doesn't?

[@keithklitses6433]

I remember when Leonard Bernstein received a special Grammy award back in 1984 or 85 and during his speech he made mention of the Beatles "She's Leaving Home" and the last words of his speech was (roughly quoting), "Now I want to get off the stage so I can hear Tina Turner!"

[@enkibumbu]

"Our pop generation reaches and spreads itself." Truer words never spoke.

[@bassmaiasa1312]

"Noisy, unintelligible, and morally corruptive." As Durante used to say, "you ain't seen nothing yet."

[@DaveMcIroy]

Here's something that you never gonna forget B-B-B-Baby, you just ain't seen nothin' yet

[@gregorysullivan7175]

I'm mortified.

[@brenthooton3412]

What would Leonard Bernstein say if he was doing this in 2021??

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@brenthooton3412 Oh, he'd sing the praises of corporate-mandated 'rap' and 'hip-hop'

[@theshivers1967]

Leonard Bernstein was the first to express his musical brilliance to demonstrate the genius of the fabs

[@yurolson]

I think hearing Bernstein speak is like hearing from heaven itself. I've been able to listen to 2 and 1/2 of the Harvard lectures from 1973. those lectures changed my musical life and perceptions about music for the better. what a gift to western culture. He was also very fond of Tommy according to Peter T himself.

[@jamessilver6429]

brian wilson - beach boys - 1966 surfs up etc. also

[@humanbeing5300]

This guy is so eloquent and articulate and he clearly appreciates it as a musicologist. He is analyzing it for what it is musically speaking

[@I_Am_The_Paulrus]

Good man Leonard - one genius songwriter appreciating the new generation of genius songwriters.

[@johndurant8687]

Got To Get You Into My Life is such an underrated song!

[@garyridge3745]

Yes, absolutely underrated....and when you hear Earth Wind and Fire perform it, the true potential of the song becomes evident. Ive long held that Yoko Ono and Paul McCartney should have gifted music royalties to Maurice White and Co, simply on the basis of betterment.

[@dickon728]

I think we underrate all Beatles songs. Who can keep up with all the complexities.

[@ALF782]

I liked the The Beatles when i was 3 and i still like them now at 58. They are timeless like Chopin.

[@navigator1383]

New generation has never heard of the Beatles

[@ALF782]

@navigator1383 the new generation only knows auto tune rubbish till they on a discovery tour and get blown away by the Beatles

[@kpmac1]

This is really interesting. You don't generally hear this kind of analysis of pop music because I don't know that the genre is widely respected by highly trained musicians. And you can't get more highly trained or influential than Bernstein.

[@12Trappor]

That might have been true in 1967. Nowadays, many classically trained musicians are equally adept at playing pop or rock music, and I suspect that the majority enjoy listening to it, since that's the kind of music they grew up with. There are tons of KZbin videos which analyze pop music, and all I have seen are done by musicians with a very thorough background in music theory.

[@Gabe7Gal]

@@12Trappor This is the correct take. Indeed in the days when this video was recorded, classical musicians (and jazz musicians as well to a large extent) were very removed from pop music hence the reason why Bernstein was compelled to create this particular video. But it's not the 60s anymore, these are the times when everyone loves pop music even non-pop musicians.

[@darrensiegel6651]

Leonard got it. Most men of his age in that era did not. One feature of a genius is that he recognizes genius in others. Now I wanna listen to Revolver.

[@73challenger5031]

Probably because they paid more attention to the image of The Beatles rather than the actual music! Sad.

[@tenorandguitar]

One thing I've noticed is that few people are REALLY "musical" , and those that are have broad and eclectic tastes and abilities...

[@cisium1184]

Most men of his age in that era weren't professional musicians. As Bernstein himself said, he liked the good stuff, but most of it was trash. Most music of every generation is trash. We don't expect non-musicians to know the difference; but musicians should, and generally do.

[@motogriso1]

I felt Leonard was too pop. And I think he ruined Shostakovich Sym #5

[@alb_reuel]

@@cisium1184 i imagine most classical music are trash too. he doesnt like everything by any classical composer.

[@daviddempsey8721]

It’s something I hadn’t thought about but the Beatles were constantly changing - always recognisable but nothing like the fixed formats of ABBA for example.

[@heycisco]

I could listen to him analysing music for hours. I love his lecture on harmony development over centuries. I wish someone taught me like this when I was a young kid in music school.

[@phillipecook3227]

I'd always recommend composer Howard Goodall's analysis of the Beatles which defines why they will forever be more than just another 60s pop group.

[@alexescudero7308]

your right!.... an incredible análisis that puts you in the center of the circle...!!!and them all have sense....

[@jaydeecee]

Whos he

[@raindrops21_9]

Yes! I love the analysis Goodall did. Great video.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

I could have watched another hour of that. Interesting how the old masters could learn to accept (sometimes reluctantly) the brilliance of the Beatles.

[@patbrennan6572]

I value Leonard Bernstein's opinion greatly and after watching this I have a greater appreciation than ever for the Beatles.

[@eligarf]

Bernstein on the Beatles!?! Amazing 🤩 Nice find 🕵️

[@nothingEvil101]

Man I could listen to him talk about music forever…

[@ImCarolB]

I was fifteen when this film was made. I loved the Beatles and still think there never was and never will be a more entertaining and influential popular music group. Interestingly, my parents loved them too. We'd all join in singing with them when a song came on the radio. I think "Yesterday" was my father's favorite song. We used to joke about asking Dad what he thought of Eleanor Rigby, because he'd always answer, "A classic!" My mother, a Juilliard graduate, led a community singing group years later and always included Beatles numbers.

[@kevanbrown7620]

I'm so glad he likes one of my favourite songs, the brilliant Lennon penned She Said She Said. What an absolutely amazing track. As Lennon said, "It's pure" John Lennon and George Harrison, never forgotten.✌️

[@jamesstewart8377]

What I love is John had no idea he was doing what Bernstein is saying. He was a gifted natural.

[@jamesdrynan]

Bernstein was a wonderful emissary of music. As well as composer and conductor, he did a series of shows that endeavored to explain classical music to the uninitiated. A man who loved music and its appeal to the masses.

[@fiacchi]

When a legend like Bernstein talks about your music, you should be very very proud, but, you know, just being a Beatle is a quintessence of pride in itself.

[@eightbars1]

I can't believe they blocked the song when he was trying to show the time change.

[@johnplink]

Ridiculous!

[@counterfit5]

It sucks because this is completely fair use

[@ricardomarques5639]

I know man, I'm so tired of this copyright shit

[@cliffhanley2120]

@@ricardomarques5639 why did they block one song but not the others?

[@commontater8630]

And he's playing it on that crappy little tape recorder no less.

[@faustolemos3917]

I can hardly express how much I love this. I wish we could have a video of him talking about the mindblowing 70s version of the Beatles.

[@Kupcho58]

Oh yeah...I'd love to hear his views on Let It Be and Abbey Road.

[@theeditorseye573]

For the record, Bernstein cites 5 McCartney tracks, 2 Lennons, and a Harrison (in a pear tree).

[@ernesttenesmusstb9074]

Yes. That said, the innovations to which Bernstein refers include many in which George Martin likely had a hand.

[@alexandersmith6140]

And Harrison suggested the metre change on She Said.

[@dickon728]

"…In a pear tree." Yuck, yuck, yuck!

[@dongskijyu8583]

Hahaha

[@sgt.pepperslonelygasseboys743]

This is wonderful. I love listening to Bernstein.

[@robertwoodpa6463]

And the Beatles were so young when they did all this.

[@zsht]

Back then, Leonard thought this level of songwriting invention was the future of pop music. Turns out, it was the apex, and the future still hasn't even come close.

[@allendracabal0819]

And now things are going in reverse, with simple, repetitive beats.

[@finnmacmanus5723]

It’s just moved past you. There are plenty of interesting and innovative pop acts, and there’s just as much absolute trash, the situation was the same in the 60s as Leonard says at the beginning.

[@zsht]

@@finnmacmanus5723 genuinely curious to know which current popular music you think comes close to The Beatles' songwriting apex, that "moved past" me

[@ProdigyBowlersTour]

Fascinating. I wish the whole thing had been preserved and posted. I hate that it’s cut off at the end.

[@PotrzebieConolly]

I think this is the whole show. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKrMeHmIn5qVY80

[@ScotF2010]

I was wondering what was wrong with my audio. Then I realized that it was copyright recognition: KZbin mutes the Beatles excerpts.

[@michaelfoxbrass]

I think the one video posting the video muted Bernstein singing the lyrics in that one brief section to avoid the “takedown” by the copyright holder.

[@stevefranckhauser7989]

Fair use.

[@cyborgmetropolis7652]

The music industry is shooting themselves in the foot by squelching any and all educational discussions.

[@honoredutrey]

"KZbin mutes the Beatles excerpts" Very fortunate !

[@ScotF2010]

@@michaelfoxbrass Oh yeah, that would make sense too. @jumpstartation, which is it?

[@picchaz]

The great Mr. Bernstein assured us, The Beatles music will be around till the end of time.

[@aron9368]

Can 4 guys from Liverpool get higher credit than from Leonard Bernstein himself, I do not think so. The Beatles were and are the greatest popular musical miracle ever.

[@chrishrycyk5797]

Brian beachboy Wilson

[@isaacjones8451]

@@chrishrycyk5797 Yeah, he was good, too.

[@user-qg2uf8jp3h]

The best description of the Beatles : "THE BEATLES WERE AND ARE THE GREATEST POPULAR MUSICAL MIRACLE EVER".

[@cesarmiller5972]

Give credit to their producer George Martin too, he was classically trained and could read and write music. He did the piano solo in the song In My Life.

[@Dominic-Beston]

@@chrishrycyk5797 I think he performed live on that documentary along with some other bands that Bernstein liked.

[@mccloysong]

A music professor with eloquence, richly breaking it down. Rick Beato is carrying on his spirit that way.

[@artysanmobile]

I sense that Leonard Bernstein is even more enamored, maybe even envious, of the Beatles compositional genius than he is willing to confess here. They are words of offhand praise, but in his musician face I see wonder and joy.

[@maxheadrom3088]

Thanks for posting! Leonard Bernstein is great! I have a photo ready to be framed of Bernstein and Leo Beranek - it will go on my listening room.

[@DariusSarrafi]

His open-mindedness and understanding of pop music of his time is astounding! He really was hip. Also I like his reference to androgyny I think a nod to his own bisexuality!

[@morbidmanmusic]

He is a snob, and arrogant.

[@DariusSarrafi]

@@morbidmanmusic He is a snob, and arrogant with an open mind!

[@Calicarver]

The Beatles were AMAZINGLY creative and their songs are all very different from another. Each of the Beatles songs are as different as a different person, a lot of other bands songs are like the same person on a different day

[@missionrd100]

Bernstein was always cool. He once complained that pop groups were relying too much on tape manipulation and electronic effects and that he preferred Cream because, "That drummer can really keep time."

[@mkaye818]

amazing insiight and intellect. both Bernstein AND The Beatles.

[@FireOfTheDrgon]

The songs he mention include “Good Day Sunshine,” “She Said,” “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “She Loves You,” “Eleanor Rigby”, “Penny Lane,” “Love to You”, and “I Saw Her Standing There.”

[@Martvandelay]

His observations and comments are of course spot on. A genius talking about a genius band.

[@TheSaltydog07]

I've never heard his voice before. Lovely man.

[@graphicdav]

Even though it is annoying at the time, thank you for clipping the music so this video can be shown without copyright blocking.

[@colinturner4158]

The world could do with a new generation of Beatles it’s missing in today’s young

[@robgiblin4404]

Check out the REO BROTHERS on KZbin. They play the Beatles and other great bands from the 60's 70's 80's. As close to the original sound.

[@ymelfilm]

Nope. U r old. The utube is full with incredible young artists but their music maybe too complicated for everyday ears

[@colinturner4158]

@@ymelfilm if there is quality music out there I haven't seen or heard it apart from a few bands

[@ymelfilm]

@@colinturner4158 yes, but there are good and honestly, (technically at least) better guys out there

[@ronmartin4793]

Taylor's been getting the big nod from,who else,Sir Macca himself!!!And how many zillions of her albums keep getting sold?!?!And great writer and musician!Nobody will ever beat the Fans,but she's definitely up there.When she makes 2 groundbreaking comedies,then a cartoon series and movie and documentary film is made to great fanfare,she needs 4 cars to get in and out of for security to get in and out of mindnumbingly loud-screaming fan-based concerts,and at least 2,000 different memorabilia items,featuring her likeness on it,like pantyhose,lampshades,pencilcases,record cases,record players,drinking glasses,makeup mirrors,you name the item,the picture or name is on it....anyway,no musical entity will ever be THAT big again.period.

[@kevmac1230]

I was sitting with mom and dad and they had on the radio tuned to the "old people station" when an elevator version of Good Day Sunshine came on .My pop the cop who hatted all things Beatle remarked to mom "what a catchy tune".To which I quickly replied, "yeah it's a Beatles song". He didn't say anything,but I was smiling.

[@joevining2603]

It's great that KZbin cut out the audio while he was trying to explain the changing beat. Really helps the intended audience understand while simultaneously saving the record company money from lost sales. 🙄

[@jacobocastrorodriguez5651]

I dont know how did I ended up watching this video, but it is now one of my all time favourites favourites.

[@Lily_The_Pink972]

Composer Howard Goodall has done some really good programmes analysing and appreciating the Beatles' music which are well worth watching. He's in good company with Bernstein.

[@njits789]

And here is one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIK2amSti8mpj8U

[@anthonyparkinson5544]

And he is a much better singer than Bernstein

[@johnmorrisrussell4680]

@@anthonyparkinson5544 Lenny had many, many gifts. But singing was never one ;-)

[@anthonyparkinson5544]

When asked what he would have liked to have he replied a good singing voice

[@anthonyparkinson5544]

@@johnmorrisrussell4680 but in my opinion he wrote the greatest musical in West Side Story. Something I have been fortunate to see many, many times

[@marti_flute]

It was great hearing Leonard Bernstein's perspective on some of the Beatles songs. I was 16 when he made this show but I missed it. I missed most of Bernstein's children's concerts on TV as well. I was a devoted Beatles' fan since their appearances on Ed Sullivan in 1964. I started leaning about classical music when I played flute and studied it in the 1960s.

[@pallhe]

Leonard evidently kept an open mind.

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

Most truly great musicians do!

[@MisterLumpkin]

I feel lucky to have grown up during the Beatles era, even though I was only 12 when they broke up. My very first vinyl record was 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙉𝙚𝙬, for which I traded my favorite Matchbox car, serendipitous since the album contained the Carl Perkins song 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙭. And it was the album only, no cover or sleeve. I rode home on my Schwinn Sting-Ray one handed, with that vinyl disk tucked under my arm. I played that record on my little toy record player until it my parents finally hid it from me.