bernstein's gaze

​I tend to think of art as a gaze.  Whenever we perform, we’re telling someone, “Hey, I have something I think is cool and that I believe it is worth your time and attention.”  It places a responsibility on us.  We get to determine what is worth the attention of our fellow humans.  If we consistently place things in front of an audience that is not worth their attention, they will eventually stop looking.  It starts with personal belief in what we are doing.  Then, we must communicate those beliefs to others in a language that they can understand.  Leonard Bernstein mastered many things.  Despite his Harvard education and place among the highest artists, his native language was human. He helped others understand why music moved him and how it could move them.  Classical music was worth the attention of his audiences, including children.  He maintained their gaze his whole life.