Leonard Bernstein and
Maximilian Schell Present Beethoven
1982
Original pen & ink drawing on artists’ board
Commissioned by Public Broadcasting
for their documentary series, Bernstein/
Beethoven with commentator, Maximilian
Schell,
1982

Of all of Hirschfeld’s joys in life, none was closer to his heart than music. Hirschfeld’s musicians were, I think, his favorite subjects. And in the world of music, the person whom Hirschfeld was commissioned to draw most often was Leonard Bernstein. I met Bernstein in the early 1970’s at a party in his home. As it happened, both he and I were dressed in flowing black capes, which, perhaps, explains why I caught his eye. The Maestro approached me and demanded in a voice filled with drama and flourish: “Do you know who you are?” I responded that I thought I did. But Bernstein had a different idea: “You are Miriam from the Bible!” he exclaimed. And from that night forward, Leonard Bernstein always called me “Miriam.”