The composer Leonard Bernstein passed away at age 72, respectable.
Biography - A Short Wiki
Internationally acclaimed musician and educator who composed the music to “West Side Story,” “Wonderful Town,” and other popular musicals.
He was the accompanist for The Reviewers, a comedy troupe comprised of lyricist and playwright Adolph Green, Green’s comedienne and writing partner Betty Comden, and Broadway and film performer Judy Holliday.
He embraced the new medium of television in 1954, becoming the first conductor to give televised lectures on classical music, a practice that continued throughout the rest of his life.
How did Leonard Bernstein die?
Pneumonia caused Leonard Bernstein's death in 1990.
Even with his announcement of retirement, however, Bernstein remained alert and optimistic, and even hoped to make some sort of appearance at the Oct. 28 Carnegie Hall AIDS benefit that he was to have conducted with James Levine. Two hours before his death from a heart attack at 6:15 P.M.
| Cause of death | Pneumonia |
|---|---|
| Age of death | 72 years |
| Profession | Composer |
| Birthday | August 25, 1918 |
| Death date | October 14, 1990 |
| Place of death | The Dakota, New York, United States |
| Place of burial | The Green-Wood Cemetery, New York, United States |
Quotes
"Technique is communication: the two words are synonymous in conductors."
Leonard Bernstein
"To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time."
Leonard Bernstein
"I'm not interested in having an orchestra sound like itself. I want it to sound like the composer."
Leonard Bernstein
"The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies and his life just to make sure that one note follows another... and leaves us with the feeling that something is right in the world."
Leonard Bernstein
"A liberal is a man or a woman or a child who looks forward to a better day, a more tranquil night, and a bright, infinite future."
Leonard Bernstein
