Leonard Bernstein, New York after 1954

Here’s Gordon Parks’ photograph of Leonard Bernstein in New York. Parks captured Bernstein holding music sheets and a cigarette, positioned in an opera house underneath a gigantic light. I wonder, what was it like for Parks to photograph someone like Bernstein? Parks was known for his photojournalism, especially his work documenting the civil rights movement. Then there's Bernstein, a musical genius. Both of them trying to make sense of the world in their own ways. It must have been fascinating. The black and white tones create a timeless feel. The contrast between light and shadow—Bernstein's face is partly lit, partly in shadow—suggests the drama and complexity of his life and music. You can almost imagine the sounds of the orchestra tuning up, the anticipation before a performance. It's like a visual symphony.