Il libro contiene la trascrizione (ricca di illustrazioni e di esempi con notazione musicale) di alcune lezioni tenute dal 1958 ai primi anni '70 da Bernstein di fronte a un pubblico di bambini. Come si dice in quarta di copertina, sia grandi che piccoli possono apprezzare molto questo libro di alfabetizzazione musicale. A mio avviso il destinatario migliore è un adulto che, davanti a un pianoforte, abbia l'opportunità di leggere con calma il testo e strimpellare gli esempi che contiene. Per un bambino alcuni temi (per esempio gli intervalli o i modi) mi sembrano raccontati in maniera fin troppo complessa, ma forse mi sbaglio dato il successo delle lezioni di Bernstein, trasmesse per lunghi anni in televisione (altri tempi, altre nazioni...). In ogni caso, ottimo e piacevolissimo. ( )

This really is Bernstein's Joy of Music, all that he loves about it and why, with some musical knowledge helpful but not needed. The initial chapters were all conversations on music with a variety of people and very enjoyable the later half was scripts from some television programs that he did. They might have been better with the music included but still were quite enjoyable on their own. Refreshing and quite a treat, thanks Bhuri!

Witty and insightful guide into some of the deeper meanings of music. The music scores added to the experience, especially when I decided to play the relevant pieces on Youtube, or something similar. Good stuff. ( )

When I was a little girl, there was a sporadic series of "specials" on Saturday afternoons called "Young People's Concerts." It was hosted by Leonard Bernstein, conducting the New York Philharmonic, and was my introduction to classical music. How I looked forward to those hours! I learned about musical modes, sonatas (illustrated by Bernstein's badly sung rendition of a Beatles' song), concertos, symphonies, and many other things that still enrich my life today.

This book is a synthesis of what Bernstein taught in those concerts. It's not quite as entertaining, although it still held my rapt attention -- for all his other talents, I think he loved teaching the best.

If you are ever fortunate enough to run across a copy of this book while you wander a used book shop, grab it. Hold onto it and pass it on to your children and grandchildren. Let the Maestro teach them how much joy all music -- not just rock -- can hold for them. ( )

transcripts of his highly enlightening and successful young peoples concerts broadcasts ( )