THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSICIANS OF ALL TIME

7 The 100 Most Influential Musicians of All Time 7

both classical and popular music, for his flamboyant con-
ducting style, and for his pedagogic flair, especially in
concerts for young people.
Bernstein played piano from age 10. He attended
Boston Latin School; Harvard University (A.B., 1939),
where he took courses in music theory with Arthur Tillman
Merritt and counterpoint with Walter Piston; the Curtis
Institute of Music, Philadelphia (1939–41), where he studied
conducting with Fritz Reiner and orchestration with
Randall Thompson; and the Berkshire Music Center at
Tanglewood, Mass., where he studied conducting with
Serge Koussevitzky. In 1943 Bernstein was appointed
assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic; the
first signal of his forthcoming success came on Nov. 14, 1943,
when he was summoned unexpectedly to substitute for
the conductor Bruno Walter. His technical self-assurance
under difficult circumstances and his interpretive excellence
made an immediate impression and marked the beginning
of a brilliant career. He subsequently conducted the New
York City Center orchestra (1945–47) and appeared as
guest conductor in the United States, Europe, and Israel.
In 1953 he became the first American to conduct at La
Scala in Milan. From 1958 to 1969 Bernstein was conductor
and musical director of the New York Philharmonic,
becoming the first American-born holder of those posts.
With this orchestra he made several international tours in
Latin America, Europe, the Soviet Union, and Japan. His
popularity increased through his appearances not only as
conductor and pianist but also as a commentator and
entertainer. Bernstein explained classical music to young
listeners on such television shows as “Omnibus” and
“Young People’s Concerts.” After 1969 he continued to
write music and to perform as a guest conductor with
several symphonies throughout the world.