Conductor Breaks Down Orchestra Scenes From Movies & TV | WIRED

Conductor Marin Alsop examines some band and orchestra scenes from popular movies and television shows and determines how accurate they really are. Does the conductor from the movie "Whiplash" have an effective teaching style? How historically accurate is "Amadeus"? Was Richard Dreyfuss convincing as a high school orchestra conductor? Marin answers all these questions and much more!
Marin is the chief conductor of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.
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Conductor Breaks Down Orchestra Scenes From Movies & TV | WIRED

[@Xplayer007]

When Mr. Bean actually does a better job conducting than a character who was supposed to be doing it his entire life (Mr. Holland).

[@fugithegreat]

Rowan Atkinson is a genius for physical comedy. If anyone was going to get it right, it's him. 💙

[@MeltingIcecapsDrawmybabyUps]

His fake piano bit is also better than some actors pretending to really play the piano... Atkinson is the best.

[@88michaelandersen]

@@MeltingIcecapsDrawmybabyUps Are you talking about his part in the London Olympic Opening Ceremonies? It was just one note in that, so I think he was really playing.

[@MeltingIcecapsDrawmybabyUps]

@@88michaelandersen No. Is a whole bit where he pretends to play in the air. I saw on youtube, but I don't remember the name.

[@MeltingIcecapsDrawmybabyUps]

@@88michaelandersen I think the name is The piano player or something like that

[@isaiahbaggett5014]

Holy crap...folks, this is one of the TOP conductors in the WORLD!!! she's amazing!!!

[@notlobparrot3057]

RIGHT?? I couldn't believe they got someone of her caliber to do this!

[@katyliljeholm1672]

I love that the fact that the conductor of the Radio Symphony Orchestra really likes School of Rock is a fact that I now know!

[@Iggystar71]

Really?! I love this series as a whole and this is an awesome bit of info!!! Conducting is so interesting to me.

[@AdvancedLiving]

Well, there was that time Bugs Bunny conducted at the Hollywood Bowl. I hear he brought down the house. #Leopold

[@kiwishawty0647]

she is such an inspiration to me as a female musician

[@Diamonddogusa]

Never, ever berate, humiliate or intimidate a young musician. I have met too many who were turned off of music forever because of the trauma of enduring a bully.

[@krakenkrispykremelivinthedream]

Fun fact! back in freshman year the upperclassmen bullied me so hard, it triggered a depressive episode.

[@TheXandraPanda]

@@krakenkrispykremelivinthedream that's me rn lol it's hard to get myself to go back to the flute but I still wanna play :(

[@xx-knight-xx2119]

@@TheXandraPanda if you wanna play go for it. I stopped playing trumpet for 7 years when I got out of high school but I'm now getting back into it because I've found a group to play with and I miss playing a ton.

[@garyguyton7373]

Been there, cello. never went back, and at 71, won't.

[@krakenkrispykremelivinthedream]

@@garyguyton7373 ...It's never to late to try again... I disliked playing piano fro so much time because in my childhood it was bad but one unit in music cycle made me really care again. Something might happen in your life that will make you change your mind. You are never to old to learn a new skill...

[@gpeddino]

Marin studied under Leonard Bernstein. She was the director of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra (where I live) and I got to see her conduct a few times. She’s just brilliant.

[@TheHunterGracchus]

Interesting. In Seiji Ozawa's memoirs, he said that Bernstein was, in his opinion, overly egalitarian in his approach. Unlike European conductors who would just assert their authority, Bernstein would waste a lot of rehearsal time asking the musicians what they thought. Still, as I get older and listen to more and more of Bernstein's recordings, the results speak for themselves.

[@isolatedfromeducation5491]

@@TheHunterGracchus bernstein is so incredible with the way he approached the music itself and really captured the emotions.

[@zorak964]

Ela não está mais à frente da Orquestra de São Paulo?

[@gpeddino]

@@zorak964 Não, o contrato dela terminou em dezembro passado e agora ela é regente honorária. O novo diretor é o Thierry Fischer.

[@marco119w7]

She kind of looks like Bernstein when she speaks, to be honest.

[@Pianist46]

I came here with the hopeful expectation that she would roast everybody, but I left here even more delighted by her balanced, insightful, and generous commentary.

[@shinobu-39]

Yessss I came in ready to charge through fire but instead found a nice gentle spot next to the fireplace.

[@TheMan-jw5ro]

Better words could not have been chosen, I shall delete my previous comment at once.

[@lewstone5430]

You folks are too aggressive.

[@kishascape]

@@lewstone5430 yeah idk why anyone would expect that. She’s very professional and gave great factual insight with valid criticism just like I thought she would.

[@rebeckyc1401]

Enjoyed these clear, honest, sensitive, and thoughtful comments by Maestro Alsop. Ready for Tar… which I probably won’t see.

[@lostboytnt1]

can I voice my extreme disappointment, that bugs bunny was not included in this?

[@maestroclassico5801]

LEOPOLD!!

[@madeline.tsai.conductor]

it looks like we need the 2nd episode :)

[@maestroclassico5801]

@@madeline.tsai.conductor Agreed even non classical music lovers can't find her boring I would love to hear more commentary. Her interviews about albums she has recorded with Orchestras have this same positive vibe

[@DavidJGillCA]

Yes, it is too bad as Bugs Bunny as "Leopold" is all about the public image, cultural influence and personal conducting style of Leopold Stokowski in 1949. That one cartoon "Long-Haired Hare" has its own Wikipedia page. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-Haired_Hare

[@maestroclassico5801]

@@DavidJGillCA Poor Giovanni Jones!

[@cloudbank3106]

Would love to see more of Marin in the future! She's extremely well-spoken and respective of the fact that her trade is never going to carry over 1 to 1 to Hollywood, but offers insights to what both the musician and conductor would be thinking and doing.

[@ktwashere5637]

I bet a movie is made of her life one day. Probably starring Jennifer Lawrence.

[@pcbassoon3892]

She was too harsh for Mr. Holland's Opus. He conducts a lot like a high school band director. I have a bachelor's in music education and that's how you tend to conduct for amateurs.

[@stephenbeck7222]

Rebecca O'Sullivan eh, you can conduct for amateurs while still showing some interpretation, variety, or just some simple dynamics in your patterns. But it is clear that Richard Dreyfuss isn’t fooling anyone with his actual musical knowledge - I would rather she perhaps look at another scene in the movie to find something more interesting to discuss, like she does in the rest of the clips.

[@RooftopRecipes]

Same!!

[@sanghoolee8810]

@@ktwashere5637 this comment aged rather well!

[@vermillion9nelson188]

Lol. While I was in a professional ballet company, we took Nutcracker on tour. During a performance, the local orchestra skipped, SKIPPED, the opening of Waltz of the Flowers. We all stampeded onto stage, desperately trying to catch up to the music. After our ballet master finished screaming at the conductor post performance, Mr. Conductor said they didn't have a harpist so, instead of subbing with a piano or flute or anything else like a normal person or even letting us know what he planned, he just decided it wasn't really necessary. I can't imagine what the audience thought of that fiasco.

[@gomcocramp]

rad

[@LynnHermione]

I have had mishaps like this with recorded music, wish there was someone to yell at T.T

[@counterfit5]

That’s simply insane

[@thexalon]

My guess, honestly, is that a large percentage of them didn't even notice! You have to remember that while you're a trained and experienced performer who notices every little detail because that's how you improve on your performances, most of your audience doesn't know what you were intending to do and those that do don't know what to look for. That said, Mr Conductor deserved his talking-to, and perhaps didn't deserve his job, not because of what he did but because he didn't even warn the dancers about it.

[@sabin97]

that's why full rehearsals where everyone who will participate is present are essential. and for all the people in charge(in this case the directors of both the dancers and the orchestra) should have a plan set up of how things will flow, so if there's any situation they can adjust.

[@LimySilver2]

"Inappropriate to reprimand an individual in front of the entire orchestra." Tell that to my high school band instructor

[@JoeyLavarias]

I've been under her baton once before, and she really is one of the most magical conductors I've ever played with!

[@alijoc]

Wow!! That’s amazing, what did you play?

[@JoeyLavarias]

@@alijoc a few years ago was Leonard Bernstein’s centennial (she studied conducting with him). She led the Juilliard Orchestra in a huge concert at Carnegie Hall with Bernstein’s Songfest and Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony (she told us in rehearsal that this was one of his favorite pieces). I sat principal bassoon and it was for sure one of the best nights of my life!

[@lewd807]

@LTrain45 45 bro??

[@orchdork775]

Jealous haha

[@g.strobl4458]

@@JoeyLavarias that is astounding! And bassoon is such a cool instrument!

[@Triskaan]

As someone with no musical training or experience, it's just a fascinating universe to try and understand ! Thanks for that !

[@JustinBocci]

It’s a great world! Music is my passion, so everything here what she is talking about is very interesting and I agree with everything. So cool!

[@jk-jl2lo]

as someone who's played music for 11 of their 19 years of life and spent a year studying it in college, i also found this incredibly fascinating and i loved her insights!

[@Alien426]

4:56 I'm glad she pointed out what a bad teacher Fletcher in Whiplash is. He has exactly one method of teaching and uses it on every member of the band. If he were better, he would recognize which musician to push to their limit and which to encourage. 15:51 I love how much she loves Jack Black / School Of Rock.

[@theclimbingchef]

The whole point of whiplash was to break the student, even if they were right. Much like bootcamp

[@movingforwardLDTH]

@@theclimbingchef and these musicians signed up for college, not the military.

[@Killerbee4712]

@@movingforwardLDTH Fair point

[@fortifarse]

I totally thought Fletcher was a phenomenal person and teacher before this video...

[@nooodledotwav]

@@theclimbingchef not really how jazz works. Watch the Adam Neely video

[@PaolaEnergya]

Loved Marin's analysis, what a strike of genius to add Mr Bean!

[@gubatpark]

The way she speaks and how she flawlessly constructs her sentences are so relaxing

[@haydenmusicacademy7502]

I freaking love Marin. I was actually in a youth orchestra about 30 years ago where she and Paavo Jarvi auditioned to be our conductor (obviously before they both hit it big). Paavo won the audition but I really enjoyed her conducting (she definitely had my vote!). It was an incredible privilege having worked with her albeit briefly. So glad she went on to have so much success.

[@truerandall8320]

Which Orchestra was this?

[@musicola9615]

Was it Cincinnati?

[@Mysterialic]

We need a Part 2, WIRED!

[@madeline.tsai.conductor]

yes yes! We need the 2nd Episode!! @WIRED

[@gomcocramp]

this time with bugs bunny

[@mbradley5683]

YES YES PLEASE

[@rukbat3]

with The Music Man!

[@jgaringan]

They should have her react to the anime, Nodame Cantabile

[@ianw1976]

This just screams "TwoSet will react to this."

[@Frilabird]

Ling ling spotted

[@MrPianoMan]

How? She's a pro. They react to fails, unless... 😲 Ling ling number 1!!

[@philipmcniel4908]

True, I think they tend to react to people with less expertise than themselves, because one can't really critique someone who has more expertise than himself.

[@CopShowGuy]

I think that video would just be them agreeing with everything she says. She was correct on all accounts.

[@Killerbee4712]

Doesnt have to be a critique, it can be a reaction. Twoset reacts to prodigies who are significantly better than all of us, so reacting to someone better than them isnt exactly out of the realm

[@elizamd95]

She seems like a very lovely person. I would be lucky to have a teacher like her.

[@Templeballgod1]

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p013s7y8/philip-glass-concert-live-at-the-barbican

[@grindelo5868]

She actually reminds me a lot of my own music teacher. Both physically and personality wise

[@elizamd95]

@@grindelo5868 she reminds me of my piano teacher too. She was a Ukrainian lady with the biggest heart :)

[@reubenconducts5792]

Am currently one of her students - we are so incredibly fortunate to study with her!

[@grindelo5868]

@@reubenconducts5792 congratulations. That must be a honor

[@musicalcolin]

It really says great things about Marin's style of conducing and dealing with the orchestra that her favorite clips are of Sister Act and School of Rock because of their conductors' enthusiasm for the music and positive relationship with their musicians.

[@RooftopRecipes]

Yes! 100%

[@GarthNewelMusicCenter]

About time! Loved this technique break down. Thank you for not excluding classical music as part of our culture. It often seems (to us who are professionals in classical music) that the film industry doesn't prioritize representing musicians accurately, so seeing this video with such a pioneer as Marin Alsop is so awesome.

[@hkr667]

Trust me, the film industry doesn't represent *any* profession accurately.

[@GarthNewelMusicCenter]

@@hkr667 haha, I'm sure! I do like how Alsop pointed out what was done well in addition, valiant efforts should always be applauded.

[@ragglock]

You would be living under an rock going into an resent movie and not recognise the classic influence that many soundtracks have or straight up is, hans Zimmer and junkie xl and more, John Williams anyone

[@GarthNewelMusicCenter]

@@ragglock Of course I know that soundtracks are played by well known orchestras, and that John Williams and Hans Zimmer compose in the classical tradition. If anyone likes movie soundtracks, they (consciously or not) appreciate classical music. That has nothing to do with the portrayal of professional classical musicians as played by actors. I'm not complaining about the use of classical music in a soundtrack. I'm talking about how realistic the physical representation of a professional musician role is.

[@nellenellson3786]

My thoughts exactly

[@jabberwockyface884]

F Murray Abraham exclaimed "I don't understand!" and "You go too fast!" because Tom Hulce was deliberately skipping lines in order to get a true reaction of confusion and bewilderment out of him. It was not a mistake of the script.

[@jabberwockyface884]

@SM Wasi It's in the Amadeus imdb trivia, as well as various 'making-of' documentaries. It's a fantastic film, if you haven't watched it you definitely should, and researching the details of production is definitely worth it! 😁

[@jlaurson]

She might not have seen the movies, actually. If I remember the Mr. Holland's scene correctly, for example, the "soft" opening movement was a coy, deliberate thing to then surprise the audience with the audacious beginning. And well, that Hollywood isn't going to make you sit through the performance, quality-wise, of an actual student orchestra (no matter how I, too, cringed at that miraculous, unrealistically perfect scene), that's not really surprising, is it.

[@araucariapasquale1]

Yeah that sounds made up.

[@taylovs2sing]

As a young female musician, I owe SO much to this woman.

[@book5ter]

A: "What's on today?" B: "Well, i don't know what the conductur is doing, but we're doing Bach." Small talk between orchetral musicians.

[@Maazel456]

I have a funny personal story with my dad about Marin Alsop. My dad has been a long-time substitute with several orchestras around the US for about 4 decades, primarily the Chicago Symphony. One time he was subbing with the Milwaukee Symphony for a couple weeks, and then he also happened to be headed to Colorado for the summer to play with a Colorado Festival Orchestra, both of which Alsop was conducting. In the first rehearsal she did a double take when she noticed him in the ensemble and pointed at him with her baton, saying “are you following me?” 😂

[@jodimerusi3250]

That's great!!

[@noamgreenberg8417]

Put aside that she is a world class conductor she is a super smart women

[@leoalex2001]

you have to be at least somewhat smart to become a world famous conductor

[@carriecook8600]

Marin Alsop, Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra!! Represent!!! (Pre COVID my boyfriend and I were always the youngest BSO performance attendees by at least 30 years)

[@khreed]

I always thought I was the youngest in the BSO audience... glad to know there are others 😂

[@wickedham]

I took my daughters to see Mozart's Requiem at the BSO a couple of years ago (they were 9 and 11 at the time). As soon as we walked through the door, the average age dropped by 60 years! LOL

[@maestroclassico5801]

@@wickedham It is wonderful that you expose your children to masterworks such as the Mozart Requiem in live concerts. Fewer and Fewer young people are exposed to great music. I can tell that one of Maestra Marin's goals is to make great music accessible for young people.

[@poconofriend777]

I was really looking forward to the Planets this year : /

[@ronaldcammarata3422]

@@wickedham As far as I can tell, it's been that way for at least 30 years. I started going to the BSO in my 20s. I'm 61 now. Where were today's seniors back then?

[@jochanaan58]

She is one of the great ones for sure. She rebuilt the Colorado Symphony Orchestra after a disastrous reorganization, and made it the best in the region. I can still remember watching her lead a flawless Mahler Seventh shortly before she moved on to the Baltimore Symphony. She's absolutely right about enthusiasm being the essential quality of a conductor.

[@matthewv789]

Haha I know the reorganizer (only in the last year). Kinda not surprised in retrospect that the reorganization he was responsible for went as you described it.

[@olliepops1124]

The Harris symphonies she did in Colorado were sublime!

[@andyo3689]

How spoiled we were when she was the Conductor in Denver...I certainly miss her on the podium here in Denver.

[@adriepram]

Recognized her in the thumbnail and I must say, Wired chose the source right 👍🏼 (I play in an orchestra and often watch orchestra and classical music related videos and news. Marin Alsop is an internationally acclaimed conductor).

[@Billymedia]

She's not just admirable as a musician, she's an admirable person.

[@oumtjackawillie]

I really like these breakdowns but then once in a while you find someone to represent their expertise who's next level good and it's magic. Wow, this woman both knows and loves what she is talking about and it's a pure joy to hear her out...

[@Harlec]

No Mickey Mouse in Fantasia? My disappointment is immeasurable.

[@ktwashere5637]

ha ha

[@haraecca8251]

and my day is ruined

[@mariamann8292]

We need a part two

[@kkandsims4612]

I was about to say he deserved a shout out

[@Ninkira]

This was so delightful, loved getting her insight but also how much she connects with the purpose of each film! A critic and a conductor, great combo :)))

[@tommyron]

Marin is just such a terrific person and a consummate musician - zero bombast, zero drama, which pro musicians love. You can really see why she can drive a top tier orchestra. Thanks so much for this terrific program!

[@beemaack]

Had never heard of Ms. Aslop before this video but she seems lovely. Filmmakers should be watching all of these technique critique videos and learning. Thanks for the video!

[@frogmouth]

Her Dad was a whistler played sax as well as violin and a leader in the NY ballet orchestra , Marin had a swing band and had to fight her way into the classical world despite her talent and training in classical music. there are some good youtube videos about her career

[@markmaurer6370]

Alsop led a conductor workshop at my conservatory. She brings a lot of power to the podium, and that gave some amount of fear, but she's a lot like this. Very intelligent, but especially intense listening. It's great everyone gets a chance to see how wonderful she is.

[@70M80]

When a world renown conductor has more patience for mistakes than most high school band teachers. :|

[@jamesboone3678]

I'm a full time orchestra member and teacher for children on violin. Absolutely love her! I freaking love my job, and playing in a orchestra has such a rewarding feeling after you're done after months and months of rehearsals it's beyond what words describe.

[@TheOnlyDamien]

Man she's just wonderful. I love her energy!

[@izzojoseph2]

As a music major, and piano player for the past 40+ years, I loved hearing her take on the conductor’s role. She had the restrained passion you see in the top conductors. You ha e to let it all out but maintain control and not everyone feels the passion in some of these pieces.

[@EMurph42]

She was the conductor for the Colorado Symphony when I was in high school. I’ve seen her at least a dozen times bc I took theory & live music was the best homework a person can be assigned. I was sad when she left, but man was off the bigger better things. I’m so proud of her!

[@lahomasimmons2015]

I was lucky to see a young Maestra Alsop conduct the Eugene Symphony Orchestra several times. It was such a joy.

[@njlauren]

Marin is one of the best conductors out there, and it is a shame that the geniuses running the NY Phil ignored her and hired a succession of stiffs, when she both musically and personality wise would have been a perfect fit.The current guy is typical, european conductor with the attitude that he is a god and the audience and orchestra should worship him.

[@matthewv789]

He also reportedly charges the highest fees in the business by far, with no flexibility on his fee.

[@courtney-ray]

The NY Phil’s loss was the BSO’s gain!

[@TheStockwell]

A problem with hiring a good conductor is their already having contracts and commitments. When, for instance, a major orchestra like the Berlin Philharmonic begins to search for a new leader, the announcement is made a year or more ahead of time so interested candidates can make arrangements to be available. Most conductors have contracts for engagements years in advance. It's a complicated system. 🐧

[@njlauren]

@@TheStockwell Most conductors have the flexibility with guest conducting jobs that if they get offered a principal conducting job or MD they can either cancel the conducting gigs or can arrange it where they can still do pre arranged gigs. It could get dicey where someone is the principal conductor of an organization and gets a better position, but usually the orchestras aren't that petty,they understand.

[@TheStockwell]

@@njlauren I agree. It gets complicated the further up the musical "food chain," when we're talking about in-demand conductors who conduct multiple musical organizations. Decades ago, a friend of mine took a business trip to Chicago and looked forward to hearing George Solti. He didn't. Although Solti was the chief conductor, his engagements in the U.S. and abroad meant he was only in town to conduct "his" orchestra eight weekends a year.

[@jeylful]

Marin is such a eloquent and intelligent person... I didn't know she was one of the best too. It doesn't surprise me, she is obviously very smart. Thanks Wired!

[@cuoredolce29]

As someone who has sang in choirs for the majority of my life, primarily gospel choirs, I love that she included choir directing! Don’t get me wrong, I love classical music so much, I just was so pleasantly surprised choir directing was included! Love, love, love 💕

[@MrXtuba]

Was lucky enough to play Shostakovich 5 with her a couple years ago. One of my best memories

[@ivanramirez584]

I had the honor of being conducted by Marin Alsop; I'm a mexican percussionist. She's so great! Her energy and passion are contagious. Nice video, Wired!

[@xinxinlai]

i love the way she read the films on top of reading the conducting within. Also she’s so approachable for being so skilled!! would love to hear more about her encounters with opera and performing arts production weeks outside traditional orchestras

[@tiedtheknotable]

I’m captivated by this breakdown of these movies by the exquisite conductor that is Marin. It makes so much sense and helps explain how the entire orchestra works together.

[@shitmultiverse1404]

She's really respectful and appreciative of the films and the different genres they may show, I love it

[@danielperez258]

The way she dragged Mozart in the jungle 💀

[@mole62ssf]

How marvelous this is! Conductor Alsop ohmygosh. Watching her I noticed in her mannerisms and facial expression the very traits she ascribed to good conducting. The wonderful contribution she makes combined with sublime music equals treasure. Thank you, Wired! 🎵💖👏

[@ktwashere5637]

The world needs more of Marin Alsopp in it. - Wired people, more like this please. Marin is fabulous.

[@cd6xc]

She's such a delight. Engaging, polite, friendly, fun. I loved it.

[@hindsightpov4218]

My high school conductor never complimented the orchestral band of doing a good job. After every performance we did in front of a crowd, he only complimented himself for doing a good job. The guy was a total jackass. 😂

[@ktwashere5637]

beware of teachers like that. who are these idiots? I think Marin has a good point about high school orchestras here - it sets unrealistic goal posts for real high school orchestras who compare themselves to this when its not possible to be at that level when you've only been playing for a few years and have a life as full of someone in high school's is. Only professional musicians who do it full time can be expected to be at that level.

[@njlauren]

@@ktwashere5637 a high school orchestra in a public school would not be playing at that kind of level,that is for sure. There are high school age orchestras that play at that kind of level, orchestras at Juilliard pre college or New York Youth symphony or Ben Xanders youth orchestra in Boston play at a really high level (nyys goes to 22,so it isn't just high school age kids), but that is a very specialized thing.

[@njlauren]

A lot of school band and orchestra directors are like that,many of them are frustrated musicians who got an ED degree bc it was a steady job and they resent they could never hit the big time,so they settle ( there are people who go into it bc they love it,love teaching kids,they are the gems). My son when he was part of a high level chamber youth group did outreach in public schools and he hated the ',music educatirs' they dealt with, the kids in his group were bright and enthusiastic but the idiot treated them with condescension and arrogance.

[@redstonecat1232]

@@njlauren Nah, My school is fricken amazing (I am in band though, so that might make a difference)

[@njlauren]

@@redstonecat1232 There are always the good, the bad and the ugly with anything. These days having band or orchestra programs at all is something of a luxury, as you can tell there are a lot of morons in this country who think art and music is a frill or.luxury.or 'elitist' w a sneer, but will scream bloody murder if they have budget cuts in sports; meanwhile at a high school level in most schools the teams are elitist, benefits small number of students and costs a lot.....one district near me eliminated music entirely ( talking well off suburban school) and then spent 10m building a new track/football stadium and field house w a gigantic multi media scoreboard.

[@MsTwissy]

She takes her job so seriously and now I take her seriously. Conductors are essential masters of their craft yo

[@loodaangel]

came in thinking it would be boring. My god is this woman lovely to listen to. A real teacher.

[@bettyg9707]

Gosh! I just adore her. Her calmness and warmth just dominates even through the screen. Whoever has her as a maestro or a teacher, that person is so lucky.

[@katieprocell9438]

Salieri: I don't understand! Marin: I don't believe that. Me a young professional: THANK YOU I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT

[@jihanjoo]

Thank you for producing this wonderful episode with Maestra Alsop. I had goosebumps when she talked about Jack Black and his passion for music and what conductors try to achieve with their musicians. I would have loved to hear her thoughts on The Immortal Beloved and The Late Quartet.

[@That_flutist]

Thank you so much Wired for doing this wonderful episode. Thanks for inviting one of the best conductors of our time, and if you could please do more episodes about classical music to keep educating and showing people the transformative powers of music.

[@xandercorp6175]

So glad to hear this professional speak soberly and intelligently about the pressure in Whiplash instead of dismissing or condemning it and claiming that it's unrealistic or exaggerated like certain prominent musician KZbinrs have done.

[@Risaala]

Wow: Marin Aslop has the wisdom, grace, and kindness of one at the top of her craft.

[@caseyfranco3959]

I had the honor of singing under the baton of Maestro Alsop 2 TIMES at Ravinia for the performances of Bernstein's Mass Centennial Celebration. A truly educated musician❤

[@frogmouth]

lucky you. Marin was mentored by Bernstain

[@DanielLima-ek5qm]

I’m glad Marin never “whiplashed” me in our lessons

[@maestroclassico5801]

You studied with her? I know she tried to squeeze in some teaching at Peabody Conservatory

[@DanielLima-ek5qm]

@@maestroclassico5801 she is the principal professor of conducting at the Peabody.

[@maestroclassico5801]

@@DanielLima-ek5qm That's what I thought. Gosh.....she can squeeze that in with her globetrotting concerts! Impressive! Are you a conductor? I trained a bit but failed spectacularly.

[@DanielLima-ek5qm]

@@maestroclassico5801 yes. I’m doing my master with Marin at Peabody! :)

[@maestroclassico5801]

@@DanielLima-ek5qm Well I wish you the very best in your studies . I so wanted to attend Peabody I'm my youth (I'm over 50 now)....perhaps I'll be downloading one of your performances soon! Jeesh I sure hope that the BSO gets back on track.

[@diegofrgc]

I like learning new things during the pandemic. Well done.

[@midorimatsuda7241]

"I've never had anyone strip down to the skin during rehearsal," she is really missing out on the joys of middle school band.

[@blandoon]

Marin Alsop, years ago, was the conductor of our symphony in Eugene, Oregon - needless to say we were lucky to have her. She's been back to conduct again a few times and it's not hard to see how she became a superstar.

[@maestroclassico5801]

I have always enjoyed Maestra Marin and she also had been conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra here in the US until it had to go into Chapter 11 a year ago. Look up her many great recordings here with the BSO and Sau Paulo Symphony Orchestra. ,Many of them are on the NAXOS label. She did indeed study Conducting herself with the one and only Leonard Bernstein and now SHE (you can tell) has a passion for teaching as well and teaches Conducting in master classes. In honor of LB's 100th birthday 2 years ago Marin recorded many of his great works....Many that you can find here as well! She pretty much makes a positive impression on everyone musicians, critics and the public alike.

[@gunmenow]

I have attended maestro’s concert in Atlanta several years ago, it was Tchaikovsky symphonies she conducted. What a great performance it was, she’s such a great conductor.

[@theoardoin4735]

I could listen to her for days ! She's so interesting

[@TheOakSpace]

All us classical musicians in the comments TRULY appreciate this fantastic woman and her speaking out against the mystification of classical music. The scene in Amadeus where Salieri gets confused by basic musical concepts always annoyed me. Mozart "being a genius" doesn't mean he was the greatest innovator, before his time or a misunderstood artist. So often mainstream media loves to tell us THAT Mozart is great, THAT Shakespeare is great. But these movies seeem uninterested in WHY we should consider them great (or in some cases NOT great). They sell people a vague fantasy of art and make it seem incomprehensible to all but the maddest of geniuses. When really if they would just expose the audience to the art itself and teach them to interact with it, to love it. Then everyone could make their own choice on whether they personally consider Mozart to in fact be "great". Consider: after viewing Amadeus, how very much could you tell me about the person that is Mozart, and yet how little would you have to say about his music?

[@baronwarborn9107]

Actually that was not the point of the film which was based on a play by Shaffer. The main focus was likely based on some fact on the relationship between Salieri and Mozart (did exist) and what was recorded as Salieri's last words where he did finish in an asylum and believed he killed Mozart. Shaffer reverse engineered a great story on those two pieces pulling in his interpretation of his wife who was also well versed in composition to make it a great piece of fiction. Off anything there main point was how Mozart's genius was too makes popular music and going against the strict elitist control at the time. Salieri was focused on only snobbish elites (like Mozart's dad). Why we remember Mozart and not Salieri.

[@alalalala57]

The movie is, however, about Mozart, not a movie about his music. You should just listen to the music if you want to experience the music, lol.

[@KimberlyGreen]

Having just watched a PBS show on Michael Tilson Thomas, this WIRED video was perfect. These "Technique Critique" videos open up whole new worlds to me and I love it.

[@JoshMilch]

this is great - Marin's responses are so thoughtful, delivered without judgement

[@AsteroidTVGaming]

This is really top notch, props for bringing one of the living heroes of music

[@ftumschk]

Well, that was 20 minutes of my life extremely well spent. What a treat!

[@ScottishJazzman]

I had the pleasure of seeing her conduct the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra frequently during her time there, she was incredible to me in the audience. I was working under the Principal Tuba player as my tutor at the time, and he was completely in awe of her (not least her tendency to conduct without a score!)

[@mrjomaled755]

Wow! Good to "see" her again. I absolutely loved her when she was conductor at the Colorado Symphony in the 'naughts. I was living in Denver at the time and I would try not to miss her concerts.

[@evaharris7300]

I love Marin! I went to see her several times in the BSO with my grandparents, and she has such composure. This is incredible.

[@aaronjulien7331]

"High schoolers dont play this well" Me thinking about if our school funneled money into orchestra like they did marching band

[@Toranut97]

...or if they funneled money into orchestra like they do into athletics?

[@Yawyna124]

@@Toranut97 Depends. Some places are REAAALLY into Marching Band. Lots of places aren't, of course.

[@quackslikeaduck]

@@Toranut97 There it is, right there.

[@redstonecat1232]

Lol as if marching band got funded... It's all in athletics. Like I'm in a marching band that consistently goes to grand nationals of boa, but we still don't get nearly as well funded as football. Also, I was super confused when she said high schoolers don't play this well, as our marching band is fricken insanely good. Btw screw orchestra, put the money in band (This message is written by a French Horn/Mellophone player)

[@sheboyganshovel5920]

First thing I thought of when she said that were some of the Proms recordings I've seen, but those are honors orchestras, not the student body of a single high school.

[@pensivesoprano1637]

Wow, what a fantastic segment. She is wonderful! She is so passionate and compassionate, and an amazing musician. Amazing!

[@davidhurtado2725]

That is freaking Marin Alsop! One of the very best and the role model for EVERY female conductor. "Conductor". You must be f'n kidding me.

[@jaypettitsax]

An absolute QUEEN. I love watching Alsop’s conducting

[@Sapphira603]

I was a classical musician throughout middle school and high school, and I loved watching this video! Ms. Alsop, the way you talk about music and conducting makes me miss playing so much, and it reminds me of what I loved most about my favorite conductors.

[@jandreidrn]

The conductor in the Red Dragon movie was none other than the great Lalo Schifrin who's a great film and TV composer who composed the iconic Mission Impossible theme.

[@foodguy9600]

We need a Part 2, WIRED!

[@valentinscosmicrhapsody7201]

Fantastic video!!! I’ve seen almost all of the films and she’s so on point not only about the musical aspects but somehow also manages to convey the films’ themes in a way that speaks to amateurs and “experts” alike :)

[@clockworkkirlia7475]

What a fascinating perspective to see! She seems absolutely lovely, really understanding the nuances of her art. Just a really, *really* brilliant video.

[@ferociousgumby]

Please please PLEASE come back and do another one of these! It was pure delight.

[@spencerjonesvo3973]

I love this series. It's amazing hearing experts speak on what they do with such passion. Thank you!

[@CarlosFernandez1122]

Lovely Lady. Great commentaries. Excellent movies.

I saw Marin conduct several times here in Brazil, back when she was Osesp's Conductor. The time that struck me the most was when she conducted pictures at an exibithion, Mussorgsky. I sat behind the orchestra, in the choir, so i saw her every move, and her facial expressions and the passionate way she conducted really were something!

[@Tker1970]

Loved Marin Alsop when she was with the BSO. We were lucky to have her in this City.

[@williamwhittle216]

Have many of her recordings. She is one of the great living conductors.

[@jazzmusictheorist]

As a future conductor myself I absolutely love this review

[@kenzieford3612]

We NEED a part two of this!!

[@Geopholus]

Beautifully warm and kind commentary, that everyone can appreciate at whatever level they bring to viewing this video. I Always wished there would be a sequel to Amadeus!

[@lexiidenise]

I am in no way a musician... I quit while I was still a beginner I think if more of my teachers had been like her I would have continued. I really enjoyed this.❤️

[@rachele3334]

This was wonderful! I loved the diversity of films and shows she analyzed. That Mr. Bean bit will always be a delight to watch.

[@beaucoupgay]

We need to see Mrs. Alsop again I loved her so much she's so genuine and talented

[@chengchengyl]

Loved listening to her critique. Please invite her back for a part 2!!!