Leonard Bernstein did so much so well.

Even if we were to restrict ourselves to his achievements as a conductor, he was one of the very top interpreters of American music, Haydn, Schumann, Mahler, Nielsen, Shostakovich – on the evidence of his recordings, too many others to catalogue.

Here’s just an example of his artistry: in London, from 1966, Lenny captured in his prime, conducting Stravinsky’s primal “Le Sacre du printemps” (“The Rite of Spring”) – without a score.

At the end of the performance, the musicians refuse to rise, but only continue to applaud him from their seats.

An appropriately orgiastic salute to Leonard Bernstein on his birthday!

PHOTO: Bernstein’s magic elevator only goes in one direction: up!