Maestro

[spiritofmusic]

What's the shape of water? I was told it sliding molecules that allow it to flow.

Check with your local homeopath.

 

[marty]

Part of Bernstein was embarrassed by West Side Story, because he knew he would be remembered more for this commercial piece than for his serious music. Why did they feature Mahler, particularly M2? It was because Bernstein identified completely with Mahler as an extremely anguished and tormented man whose life was an utter clusterfk which Bernstein related to very strongly. Recall the other name of M2 which is “the Resurrection” which helps us understand its importance in Bernstein’s life. The movie also featured the Adagietto from M5 (which many composers consider some of the most beautiful music, ever written.) its notable that Bernstein chose to be buried with the score of M5 in the Greenwood cemetary in Queens, New York.

 

[KeithR]

How did Birdman get made let alone win Best Picture?

Because it was filmed in “one take”

The Artist was even more ridiculous.

 

[tima]

An art movie that wasn't about art.

To be honest, I enjoyed Maestro precisely because I knew nothing about Felicia or her relationship with Lenny. ... So for me, the insight into his marriage was well worth the viewing.

Given your familiarity with Bernstein I can understand that. Perhaps the movie could be titled 'The Maestro's Wife'. For me it was an opportunity missed. I fear this movie reduces the liklihood we will see a movie about Bernstein the conductor.

I've listened to Bernstein's lectures for years and as far as I know he never displayed the nasal voice that Cooper portrayed in his character. Was it the prosthetics? Don't know but it was an embarrassing effort to replicate how Bernstein really spoke.

The actor's voice in the movie rubbed me the wrong way as it seemed put on or contrived. Then I read that Cooper had special nose plugs made to create his voice for the movie.

It sounded little like the voice I've heard in recordings of Bernstein.

 

[marty]

Who but Bernstein ever did anything like the young peoples concerts that you have shown here? He introduced thousands of children to classical music in a way that nobody has done since. They were some of my earliest memories of being exposed to classical music. He was a terrific educator. I mean how the hell can you explain Mahler to a 10-year-old? It’s hard enough trying to do that to a 40 or 50-year-old! Kudos, Lenny!

 

[tima]

Who but Bernstein ever did anything like the young peoples concerts that you have shown here? He introduced thousands of children to classical music in a way that nobody has done since. They were some of my earliest memories of being exposed to classical music. He was a terrific educator. I mean how the hell can you explain Mahler to a 10-year-old? It’s hard enough trying to do that to a 40 or 50-year-old! Kudos, Lenny!

Yes, I agree. And it is wonderful that we have some of that preserved to view. The audience of kids singing Frere Jacques is charming. There was a time when classical music was promoted and even elementary schools had 'band' with lessons and instruments. I can think of a few efforts in the past such as Britten's 'Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra', whereas Bernstein talked about instruments and music in a relatable and appealing way to all audiences.

 

[marty]

For some insight on coaching Bradley Cooper for Maestro:

 

[jeff1225]

Funny part is Tar from the year before was better in every way, despite being about a fictional character.

Tar was fantastic

 

[Tangram]

We had to turn the subtitles on when we watched Maestro last night. Read into that what you wish.

 

[KeithR]

Bradley Cooper didn’t receive a DGA nomination. Not shocking to me…

 

[R Johnson]

Leonard Bernstein Deserved Better Than ‘Maestro’

Leonard Bernstein Deserved Better Than ‘Maestro’

Netflix somehow managed to turn the most talented, beloved, and complex American musician in history into a two-dimensional domestic villain.

quillette.com

 

[KeithR]

Best picture nom, but no director nor actor here. Barbie “snubbed” on director apparently (have not seen it)

 

[rando]