Leonard Bernstein: An American Life

This groundbreaking 11-hour documentary series illuminates the life and work of musical titan Leonard Bernstein, narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon. Virtually every aspect of Bernstein's career and life is explored through the words of Bernstein's own correspondence as well as interviews with more than one hundred people who knew and worked with him. These luminaries include John Adams, Marin Alsop, Betty Comden, John Corigliano, Adolph Green, Bobby McFerrin, Hal Prince, Mary Rodgers, Mstislav Rostropovich, Stephen Sondheim and many others. Bernstein's family also participates in the production. His brother Burton, son Alexander, and daughters Nina and Jamie all appear through their thought-provoking interviews and readings. Producer: Steve Rowland/Culture Works.
Note: Airs 9 am-5 pm and 7-10 pm, this special broadcast pre-empts the day's regular programming. (NPR's All Things Considered will air 5-7 pm.)

Playlist

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Credits