A film by Peter Rosen

This film is a rare personal portrait of Leonard Bernstein, who triumphed as composer, conductor, writer and teacher. In Leonard Bernstein: Reflections, he discusses his Boston childhood, his musical growth at Harvard and the Curtis Institute, and  the influence of great masters like Reiner, Mitropoulos, and Koussevitzky. He shares his feelings on the primacy of tonal music,  and speculates on the nature of the creative process.

The spontaneous joy of his Broadway hits, the bold, spiritual quest of his orchestral works, his intensity and vitality as conductor, made Bernstein one of the central figures in twentieth century music.

Never before has there been such a personal portrait of Bernstein told through his own words. It brings a renewed appreciation of this gifted man and his far-reaching influence.

Repertoire (Bonus):
Includes a complete performance of Bernstein conducting Milhaud's Le bœuf sur le toît with the Orchestre National de France.

DVD Picture: 4:3 – NTSC
DVD Sound: PCM Stereo
Language/Subtitles: English, German, French, Japanese
Booklet notes: English, German, French
Region code: 0 (worldwide)
Running time: 70 mins (50 mins documentary, 20 mins bonus)
Production: 1978 (Bonus: 1976)