If Elmer Bernstein had realized his childhood hopes, he might have been a successful concert pianist from the '40s through the '60s. Instead, thanks to his ability as a composer (manifested at an early age), and the timely intervention of World War II, he has for more than four decades been a major force in popular and film music, and a major influence on American popular culture.
Born in New York City, Bernstein as a boy showed a consuming interest in music, especially on the piano. He was a natural prodigy and early on, his teacher recognized a tendency on his part to improvise on the piece he was playing, an ability that he was encouraged to develop. Bernstein also had a serious interest in folk music, which was to serve him in good stead in the decades that followed.
Buy CD
© 2008