Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990) was a dynamic American composer, conductor, and educator whose unique ability to blend classical and popular music traditions made him one of the most influential figures in 20th-century music. His charismatic personality and musical versatility extended across multiple genres, with a body of work that included symphonies, ballets, operettas, musicals, and film scores. Bernstein’s deep engagement with both high art and popular culture allowed him to make classical music more accessible to wider audiences, while his compositions often reflected his love for jazz, Latin rhythms, and Broadway-style music.

One of Bernstein’s most beloved works is Candide (1956), an operetta based on Voltaire’s satirical novella. The work’s music is characterized by its brilliant wit, lively rhythms, and inventive orchestration, capturing the humor and optimism of the original story. Despite its initial failure, Candide eventually found its place in the repertoires of both concert halls and opera houses. Its overture, in particular, has become a concert favorite, celebrated for its bright, fast-paced energy and rhythmic precision.

Another iconic piece by Bernstein is Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (1961), which is drawn from his landmark Broadway musical West Side Story. The suite captures the tension, passion, and emotional intensity of the musical, combining influences from jazz, classical music, and Latin dance. The music vividly conveys the story’s central themes of love, conflict, and cultural division, using bold, expressive rhythms and striking orchestration.