Unique among 20th-century composers for his range and variety, Bernstein gave us everything from West Side Story and Candide to three powerful symphonies, operas, songs, ballet and film music, as well as a substantial body of choral, chamber and piano works—all drawing on a dizzying array of influences and styles, and all employing an essentially lyrical voice. Difficult to categorise, Bernstein occupies a unique place in modern music, and an unassailably important one.