Leonard Bernstein’s daughter says South Florida Symphony’s ‘Candide’ is ‘perfect for today’
Miami Herald
January 6, 2025
Leonard Bernstein’s operetta “Candide” deserves its place of honor in the repertoire of any contemporary classical music company. Since its Broadway debut in 1956 as a musical, the complex yet captivating work has undergone numerous iterations, all while preserving its freshness and relevance.
The plot, typically presented in two acts (depending on the director), is based on “Candide, ou L’Optimisme” (1759), by François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name M. de Voltaire. The sharp satire critiques unbridled optimism and the belief that we live in “the best of all possible worlds”—a doctrine with significant philosophical grounding in the 18th century. The chaotic adventures recounted in the story serve to dismantle that notion with biting humor.
The secret of “Candide’s” success lies in Bernstein’s profound philosophical explorations of music and literature, supported by an extraordinary team of lyrical collaborators including Hugh Wheeler, Richard Wilbur, Stephen Sondheim, John La Touche, Lillian Hellman, and Dorothy Parker.
Jamie Bernstein delves into her father’s passion for the French writer.
In an interview with artburstmiami.com from her home in New York, Bernstein says, “Voltaire was ahead of his time, very much like a lot of comic writers and performers today. He was an equal opportunity insulter. Nobody escaped his pen: the Church, intellectuals, politics, politicians and governments, kings and queens. He always had something rude to say about absolutely everyone, which demonstrated what an egalitarian he actually was. Indeed, he reminded me of the comedian from the 20th century, George Carlin,” says the author, narrator, director, broadcaster, and filmmaker.