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The Beatles analyzed
Leonard Bernstein is one of the most famous and celebrated classical music legends of the 20th century. He was an accomplished composer, conductor, pianist, and music teacher.
In this interesting short video, Leonard Bernstein analyzes the Beatles, remarking their contribution to music as vital and significant, and if you can excuse some of his snobbish attitudes towards pop culture at the time, he finds himself totally impressed by the inventiveness, originality and diversity of the Beatles.
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6 Replies
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Interesting Jung,
Enjoyed it. I will say this. Most of the songs Bernstein is talking about were done when the Beatles decided to not tour anymore. They change how music was made. They expanded the boundaries of music with new techniques in the studio. The sky was not the limit. It’s amazing with all the things the Beatles and George Martin came up with from backward guitars and singing and orchestration sound effects. Truly ingenious. That’s why they were the best. Better than everyone.
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Hey Joe! Glad you liked it, and I agree if the Beatles had not stopped touring and focused in the studio like they did, they would not have skyrocketed into the stratosphere of creativity they achieved becoming the best of the best and changing music forever.
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Jung,
Bernstein serioulsy needs to look at that DW program about Beethoven’s modern influence.
Too bad about the anachronysm.Guys, don’t forget about Brian Wilson.
Our Beethoven, hearing difficulties and all.-
Thomas, yes for sure I think Bernstein should have seen that DW episode about Beethoven’s influence on rock. It’s too bad Bernstein did not get a chance to experience MLT. The harmonies alone would have evoked volumes of praise from him.
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This is really cool, Jung. Between this and the “young people’s concerts”, Bernstein was a great musical bridge-builder.
I poked around and found that this was excerpted from an hour-long show from 1967 that attempted to understand “today’s” young people and their music. It contains a number of insightful interviews, and was very informative to a kid like me that was too young to remember that era.
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David the full video is awesome, thanks for posting it. Some great insight into the 60s young people culture and the music. I liked the insight into Beatles Paper Back Writer, and I think Jim McGuinn of the Byrds said it well about the power of the music:
“The walls will crumble if you hit em hard enough. We’re cutting them with emotions which are stronger than fists. And we’re getting mass emotions and thoughts…”. Brian Wilson singing “Surfs Up” towards the end sent chills, what an underrated masterpiece. It was nice to hear about the great poetry in the music and Bob Dylan’s contribution.
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