Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/15/2011 *Starred Review* What do you do when you have a dream and your father is firmly against it? That’s the frame story for this highly readable and inspiring biography of Leonard Bernstein, whose father, Sam, was insistent that music should be a hobby and that Leonard should take over the family beauty-parlor-equipment business. But what Rubin’s involving book makes so clear is that music was Leonard’s life, and even a carping father couldn’t change that. From the moment young Leonard started banging around on a relative’s cast-off piano, the boy wanted more; as the years went on, that meant working to pay for his own lessons, worrying about what avenue his talents should take, and enduring prejudice for his American Jewish heritage, which made conducting seem an unlikely career. The book ends with Bernstein’s unexpected conducting debut at Carnegie Hall, his father in the audience. The determination, charm, and talent of Bernstein overcome the fact that few readers will know him or his music (except perhaps West Side Story). The wonderfully chosen photographs sometimes suffer from muddy reproduction, but the cover—showing a young Bernstein in a T-shirt conducting his heart out—is a sure draw. More about Bernstein comes in an expanded discography that includes videos and a bibliography of adult and youth books. Quotations are sourced, and thumbnail sketches of friends and colleagues mentioned in the book add dimension. - Copyright 2011 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 03/01/2011 Gr 5–10—Rubin's sparkling biography looks at one of the most influential and acclaimed composers/conductors in recent history and brings his story to vibrant, colorful life. Starting at age two and ending with his exalted New York Philharmonic conducting debut at age 25, the fascinating events of Bernstein's life are neatly organized into well-paced chapters. Rubin provides an unbiased, thoughtful, and well-researched account of how the virtuoso grew to become a musical icon, discussing his family life, musical education, and the trials and triumphs he encountered along the way. Photographs and primary documents such as sheet music, concert programs, and telegrams punctuate the presentation and enhance the lively narrative. Rubin's writing is clear and accessible enough for readers unfamiliar with Bernstein, but has enough information and anecdotes to satisfy the curiosities of even his most dedicated fans. There are few comparable biographies currently available for children or young adults. Jim Whiting's The Life and Times of Leonard Bernstein (Mitchell Lane, 2005) offers concise content, while Rubin's depiction has more heart and scope. Music Was It is an engrossing, warm, and comprehensive read, and should be considered an essential purchase for most libraries. All readers will appreciate Bernstein's story of proficiency, perseverance, and passion.—Rita Meade, Brooklyn Public Library, NY - Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Bulletin for the Center... - 04/01/2011 Lenny wants to bang on the piano; his father wants peace and quiet. Lenny wants a professional music career; his father wants him to join the family hair-care products business. Lenny knows musicians can be superstars; his father knows musicians are doomed to poverty. Framing the story of famed conductor Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) in the context of the frustrated struggles between a loving father and son, Rubin spins his biography into a tale that reads as smoothly and compellingly as a novel. The focus is on Bernstein’s musical development-not only his formal studies, but also the amateur theatrical productions he staged just for the fun of it, the friends he regularly jammed with, and the high-profile mentors and sheer lucky breaks that put him on track for his acclaimed debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of twenty-five in 1943. Report writers will find a treasure trove of back matter, from meticulous source notes, bibliography, and index, to a timeline, discography, and biographical portraits of persons influential in Bernstein’s musical education. Most spreads include a photograph or document, although the black-and-white reproductions unfortunately appear dull and muddy against the matte, cream-colored stock. Young classical music fans who appreciate the passion and exuberance of Lang Lang or Gustavo Dudamel will be particularly delighted with this portrait of a star of yore on the rise. EB - Copyright 2011 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

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