Conductor, composer, teacher, legend... Leonard Bernstein is a colossus of 20th-century music. His fellow musicians, friends and family share their memories of a man struggling to lead a dual life as composer and conductor. 

FEATURES

How I Musici saved The Four Seasons 

It may be the most famous piece of classical music in the world today, but 60 years ago The Four Seasons was unknown... Until rescued from obscurity by a band of intrepid young Italians.

 American Beauty

Violinist Hilary Hahn and YouTube star pianist Valentina Lisitsa take us behind the scenes on recording the complete Ives sonatas in a barn.

Was Wagner Jewish?

Music's most famous anti-semite may have some surprising reasons behind his prejudice.

 Interview: The New Tasmanian

Slovenian conductor Marko Letonja takes over at the Tasmanian Symphony next month. What are his big plans for Australia's smallest state orchestra?

 Sibelius Violin Concerto

This masterwork is not only the Finnish composer's sole concerto, but also his most heartfelt Romantic outburst.

The most maligned solo instrument –– and butt of musical jokes –– may just be on the brink of a renaissance.

 ALSO IN THE MAGAZINE

Travel: Manchester
Once a town known primarily for bedsheets, Manchester is now vying with the world capitals as a centre for creativity, writes ABC Classic FM's Julian Day.

Reviews
Over 85 classical, jazz, world and film reviews, including Elgar's Dream of Gerontius and Cello Concerto with the Sydney Symphony and Ashkenazy, The Decca Sound boxed set, Messiaen'sQuartet for the End of Time featuring Melbourne's Ensemble Liaison, and Steinway's new label of legendary piano performances.

AND…
• Diary: A tenacious young Brit battles vicious winds, steep cliffs and lack of oxygen to play Bach atop a 6,189m mountain in the Himalayas.
• On the road: Harry Christophers and The Sixteen
• In the Spotlight: Strauss's Elektra makes its WA debut, conducted by Richard Mills in a new production by firebrand director Matthew Lutton. The Australian Ballet presents Infinity: three new commissions to celebrate 50 years of ballet, including a new work by Brett Dean. 

ABC HIGHLIGHTS

The only magazine to feature highlights and recommendations for ABC Classic FM, Radio National and ABC TV

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