March 18, 1962
Gary Maggio on childhood in a New York suburb and seeing Bernstein in the flesh.
#2 “I was born to play”
December 1963
Melody Baskin on women in music and Bernstein as emotional mentor.
#3 “We live in a cultural wasteland”
January 24, 1962 / October 27, 1972
Mark Keedwell on childhood memories of Tanglewood, his father’s penchant for playing records loudly, and his family’s Bernstein autograph.
#4 “I was assigned to do a research project”
March 6, 1962
Kathy Kram on music coming second to academia and why she found Bernstein relatable.
#5 “I wonder if you could give me some tips on conducting?”
March 26, 1962
Rolf Norgaard on a childhood filled with books and music, and how Bernstein’s broadcasts changed his life.
#6 “I am nine years old”
March 12, 1962
Susan Knell, joined by her husband Robert Shafran, on childhood piano lessons and Bernstein as Jewish icon.
#7 “‘Geunine’ china cups and saucers”
March 8, 1951
Jim Leunk on his former neighbour John’s life as a sightless person in 1950s New York and the unique musical scene in Rochester.
#8 “I also play second cornet in our high school band”
January 30, 1950
Ian Ross and Heather Bedillion on their father’s unlikely path from an unmusical family in rural New York to professional music educator.
#9 “My purpose in writing is to ask your consideration of an idea”
January 14, 1961
Lynne Talley on her childhood memories of Tanglewood and why concert hall etiquette mattered to her father.
#10 “My purpose in writing is to ask your consideration of an idea”
January 14, 1961
Chuck Talley on the extents and limits of his father’s musical tastes, and why concert hall etiquette mattered to him.