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Bernstein’s Piano Pieces: Brilliant Masterworks Rich in Storytelling

Leonard Bernstein, acclaimed as “the first international-level conductor America produced,” was a conductor, pianist, and composer.

Born in the United States in 1918, he stood at the forefront of the classical music world in the latter half of the 20th century, gracing countless stages and bringing to life numerous masterpieces, including the musical West Side Story.

In this article, we introduce selections from Bernstein’s works that were written for piano, as well as pieces widely enjoyed in their piano arrangement versions.

Playlist

Bernstein’s Piano Pieces: Brilliant Masterworks Rich in Storytelling
show_chartTitlePlaylistReview
1eastFour AnniversariesLeonard Bernstein
Four AnniversariesLeonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
A collection of piano pieces by Bernstein, composed with affection for four people
2eastSymphony No. 2 “Age of Anxiety”Leonard Bernstein
Symphony No. 2 “Age of Anxiety”Leonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
Concerto for Orchestra by Bernstein
3eastSymphonic Dances from the musical West Side StoryLeonard Bernstein
Symphonic Dances from the musical West Side StoryLeonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
Bernstein masterpiece, rich in musicality
4eastEl Salón MéxicoCopland=Bernstein
El Salón MéxicoCopland=Bernsteinplay_arrow
Expressing Mexican folk music on the piano
5eastFive AnniversariesLeonard Bernstein
Five AnniversariesLeonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
A collection of piano pieces for a friend, imbued with Bernstein’s gratitude and affection.
6eastOverture to the musical ‘Candide’Leonard Bernstein
Overture to the musical 'Candide'Leonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
Bernstein’s composition, the sparkling and bright Overture to Candide
7north_eastAria and BarcarolleLeonard Bernstein
Aria and BarcarolleLeonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
Bernstein’s late song collections
8south_east13th anniversaryLeonard Bernstein
13th anniversaryLeonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
Bernstein: A Collection of Piano Miniatures Filled with Affection
9east7th AnniversaryLeonard Bernstein
7th AnniversaryLeonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
A collection of piano pieces Bernstein dedicated to his close friend
10east“Tonight” from the musical “West Side Story”Leonard Bernstein
“Tonight” from the musical “West Side Story”Leonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
Tonight, the budding love between Tony and Maria
11east“America” from the musical “West Side Story”Leonard Bernstein
“America” from the musical “West Side Story”Leonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
A classic song that satirically portrays the immigrant American Dream
12eastTatchesLeonard Bernstein
TatchesLeonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
A difficult yet elegant piano masterpiece composed by Bernstein
13east“Somewhere” from the musical “West Side Story”Leonard Bernstein
“Somewhere” from the musical “West Side Story”Leonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
The famous piece “Somewhere” composed by Bernstein
14east“Maria” from the musical “West Side Story”Leonard Bernstein
“Maria” from the musical “West Side Story”Leonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
The Beauty of “Maria” by Bernstein
15east“Mambo” from the musical West Side StoryLeonard Bernstein
“Mambo” from the musical West Side StoryLeonard Bernsteinplay_arrow
Mambo from West Side Story