The Music Plays On — Leonard Bernstein conducts Bernstein

Born on this day in 1918, Leonard Bernstein was a true phenomenon. For this, his 102nd birthday, I’d like to share one of the more remarkable videos he ever made. For the television show, Omnibus, for which he was a host, he introduced and conducted his amazing piece, Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs. For so many reasons, I think this performance has never been beat.
Here’s the personnel for this broadcast:
Trumpets: Lou Oles, Bernie Glow, Al de Risi, Louis Mucci Trombones: Urbie Green, Frank Siracco(?), [unknown] Saxophones: Al Gallodoro (alto and clarinet), Sam Marowitz (alto), Romeo Penque (tenor and clarinet), Boomie Richman (tenor), Danny Bank (bari) Piano: Bernie Leighton Percussion: Phil Kraus Drums: Sol Gubin Bass: Jack Lesberg