Composer

:

William Schuman

Genre

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1988

First Performance

:

August 25, 1988

Average_duration

:

2:13

Let's Hear It for Lenny! is a tribute to the legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, composed by William Schuman. The piece was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 1990 to celebrate Bernstein's 70th birthday. It premiered on December 13, 1990, at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City, conducted by Zubin Mehta. The piece is a set of variations on the famous song "New York, New York," which was written by Bernstein for the musical On the Town. Schuman's variations are a tribute to Bernstein's contributions to American music and culture, as well as his close association with the New York Philharmonic. The piece is divided into five movements, each of which explores a different aspect of Bernstein's musical style and personality. The first movement, "Fanfare," is a bold and brassy introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement, "Blues," is a slow and mournful variation that showcases Schuman's skill at writing expressive melodies. The third movement, "Ragtime," is a lively and playful variation that pays homage to Bernstein's love of jazz and popular music. The fourth movement, "Waltz," is a graceful and elegant variation that highlights Schuman's skill at writing for the orchestra. The final movement, "Finale," is a triumphant and celebratory variation that brings the piece to a rousing conclusion. Throughout the piece, Schuman incorporates elements of Bernstein's musical style, including his use of syncopation, his love of dissonance, and his ability to blend different musical genres. The result is a vibrant and engaging tribute to one of America's greatest musical icons.

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