N3401

Leonard Bernstein

Conductor

Collins Cover Announcement  

Leonard Bernstrin

It is very exciting and gratifying for me to announce the Bernstein cachet, for this cover marks another "first" for Collins collectors. For the first time in my history as cachetmaker, I've used a portrait done in charcoal. The effect created is very different, and it is one that will definitely bring a touch of artistic variety to your collection. With a careful and delicate blend of hand painting to embellish the soft charcoal tones, the finished Leonard Bernstein cachet is one that will add to the reputation of Collins First Day Covers.

Bernstein was born in 1918 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. In 1939, he graduated from Harvard with his degree in music. In 1943 he was named assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic. From 1945 to 19576, Bernstein was the music director of the New York City Symphony Orchestra. In 1958 "Lenny" (so called by his friends) became music director of the New York Philharmonic and, during the ensuing Camelot years, became a darling of the Kennedys. On December 15, 1971 he conducted his 1,000th concert with the New York Philharmonic.

Among his works are the symphony The Age of Anxiety, the ballet Fancy Free, and the operas Trouble in Tahiti and A Quiet Place. Contributions to musical theater include scores for On the Town, Wonderful Town, and West Side Story. He received an Academy Award nomination for the musical score for the movie On the Waterfront. Over the years, he won many honors, including several Emmy and Grammy Awards.

The charcoal cachet is a stunner, and I'm pleased to present this "new look" in Collins 141)Cs. From now on, I will occasionally use this technique, but for "Lenny" it is a first and, as such, will be an excellent cover to include in your collection. Leonard Bernstein, Collins #N3401 - $12.25.