A collage of live performance, conversation, and historic document recitation illuminates a pivotal moment in Leonard Bernstein’s education. In 1938, Bernstein had his first exposure to American Modernism: learning Aaron Copland’s Piano Variations, sitting at the keyboard with his Harvard philosophy professor, David Prall. The influence of Copland and Prall continued to guide Bernstein throughout his career as he became America’s maestro and paramount cultural ambassador. Hear recitations of Bernstein’s college papers and letters, plus philosophical essays by Professor Prall, after Michael Boriskin, esteemed concert pianist and artistic director of Copland House, performs and examines Piano Variations and other Copland masterworks.

Program:

Aaron Copland (1900-1990)-
1. Piano Variations (1930).
2. El Salón México (1936), arr. Leonard Bernstein.

The Library for the Performing Arts is proud to offer free admission to this program on a first come, first served basis. Admission lines form one hour prior to each program. At that time one ticket is provided per person. Tickets are not available for advance reservation and saving seats is not permitted. General admission seating. Call 212.642.0142 for more detailed information. All programs are subject to last minute change or cancellation.