Watch the real maestro: Leonard Bernstein conducts Mahler

In his latest film, "Maestro," director Bradley Cooper stars as legendary conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein. The Netflix film (which opens in theaters November 22) features a recreation of Bernstein leading a historic performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 in C minor, the "Resurrection Symphony." In this archival footage of the 1973 performance, recently restored, Leonard Bernstein leads the London Symphony Orchestra in the conclusion of Mahler's 2nd, with soprano Sheila Armstrong, mezzo-soprano Janet Baker, and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, at Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England.
The full performance (as well as other Bernstein recordings as conductor, pianist and composer) is available on Carnegie Hall+ in 4K Ultra High Definition with Surround Sound. ‪@carnegiehall‬
‪@LeonardBernsteinOfficial‬
Don't miss Mo Rocca's ‪@CBSSundayMorning‬ interview with Bradley Cooper about the making of "Maestro":
• Bradley Cooper on "Mae...
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[@user-yh6sg9jj4e]

I remember it well. I was singing in the last row of basses at the back of the choir. We couldn't believe how spaciously he stretched out the last 'Auferstehn'!

[@warpod3388]

I am so curious about the rehearsal process. Did the chorus get a lot of time alone with him or did you work with a chorus master mostly?

[@user-yh6sg9jj4e]

Different choirs work in different ways, but the Edinburgh Festival Chorus is an amateur group who rehearse throughout the year with a chorus master, (who meets the conductor to learn how he intends the work to go,) then they meet the maestro at a piano rehearsal a few days before the performances, followed by one or two orchestral rehearsals and then a full dress rehearsal the night before or the morning of the concert. For Lenny, we performed Mahler 2 on two consecutive nights at the Edinburgh Festival then down to Ely for a camera rehearsal and then the televised concert the next night. We actually had to meet again a few days later to patch some of the choral sound as the engineers had concentrated on picture only, to the detriment of the original sound. During the camera rehearsal, an arc light exploded which caused great consternation as the troubles in Ireland were underway at the time. Lenny told some of us in the pub afterwards that he'd spent his fee on a new Aston Martin as he collected cars ( but couldn't actually drive!!!) 😊

[@matheusmacedo6214]

What a privilege! I've watched this video so many times (it was published on KZbin before by someone else) I even memorized his gesture and faces there

[@julietchristensen3957]

What an honor all of you had, to work with him.

[@bballkid2345]

As a fellow amateur choruster who had the privilege of performing this, well done, sir. This performance will stand the test of time 🙏🏻

[@robinsierra1029]

You can tell that he feels the music and every cell of his body

[@elreysincorona1939]

Ghurl! Wasn't the only thing he was feeling.

[@MrMjolnir69]

Yup and BOY did he want us to know it. Still- force of nature.

[@kyleclef]

Something important to remember when listening to this is that the musicians had been performing this work for over an hour before getting to this point - quite a journey!

[@asianmicrowave8817]

lol only an hour?

[@goose1743]

@@asianmicrowave8817the piece is over an hour long. this is the last few minutes after they’ve been playing for an hour straight

[@stephenburnage7687]

​@@asianmicrowave881780 minutes

[@robertogongora2119]

@@asianmicrowave8817believe it or not the entire song is 2 hours long and it’s glorious

[@Chutras]

Facts! I’m a violinist, and when you see the the strings playing at the end, you know they are using everything they got left.

[@lastlightalive]

I’m SO HAPPY this is getting the mass exposure that it long time deserves!! ABSOLUTE TRANSCENDENCE

[@thatsodiesel]

This definitely needs to be part of the music literature curriculum in music school. Bc this first I’m hearing the piece. Being a musician for 27 years. But I guess that’s the Amazing thing about music. They get taking out of the vault and it’s like a new experience for everyone’s

[@sadidrahimi]

@@thatsodieselme too, but I’m not a musician. How come I’ve never heard of him in pop culture? Impressed to say the least

[@johnmartin7919]

@@sadidrahimi West Side Story ?

[@andrewculwell707]

​@@sadidrahimiProbably because pop culture is shallow and really short on "culture". Bernstein was a super star. However because he was also gay he was a bit disdained by those outside of metropolitan centers.

[@prometheanevent]

For what it’s worth, as dramatic as that finale is, the entire symphony is absolutely amazing.

[@RB-.-]

he was exposed to have sexual interactions with people of the same gender

[@rebeccaterranova6501]

No matter how often I listen to Bernstein conduct the Mahler 2nd. I get chills. He brings out the power of the music to move us at our core.

[@fcamiola]

He absolutely does. Some of the controversy around Lenny is his tendency to impart too much of himself and not letting the score (Mahler himself) do the "talking". I love his recordings but I am glad I own many others as well, as there is no single "perfect" Mahler 2 on any recording imo.

[@Dylonely42]

Eargasm.

[@licraig7268]

How wonderful that this version of Mahler 2 has been honoured in the new film. Bernstein knew how to squeeze every drop of emotion from this intensely moving piece and the finale makes me cry every time. I was only 9 when this was recorded but I was lucky enough to be in the front row. It was the greatest experience of my life.

[@KLucero22]

What a wonderful memory, thank you for sharing

[@licraig7268]

Because there was no smoking allowed in Ely Cathedral, Bernstein had a bunch of cigarette-length licorice roots to chew on. I was fascinated by these funny looking twigs so Bernstein gave me one to try. I remember the sweet taste. @@KLucero22

[@hairglowingkyle4572]

Wow, you're very lucky!

[@on_the]

No one has ever conducted an orchestra like him. No one. Thanks, Maestro

[@ScottESchmidt]

The finest 8 minutes of classical music ever written.

[@Dylonely42]

Along the ending of the eighth symphony !

[@brucekuehn4031]

He didn’t conduct the music, he swam in it.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

I thought he was levitating. Lifting off on the wings of music. I remember the first time I saw this performance when I bought the DVD-Box Set of all his televised Mahler recordings. This one was stood out for exactly that reason. But on the musical side this is much too slow. It is carried by him being in the zone, but he was a little too indulgent from a purely musical point of view.

[@leonardohummel8658]

Well, actually, 🎶BOTH.🎶

[@sunpei-li7913]

​@@Quotenwagnerianer Many normal speed versions already exist. Bernstein deserves credit for giving the audience another extraordinary experience.

[@snezanaboskovic8781]

From the babe's mouth: A boy was watching a conductor ( could have been Bernstein ) and said to his mother " Look Mommy- this man is happy and everybody is playing to him!"

[@johnmartin7919]

He used to levitate - it was known as the Lenny Leap !@@Quotenwagnerianer

[@Tommuniqo123]

Now that is the face of someone who loves music. Truly one of a kind.

[@vegasrenie]

The music is undeniably soul stirring, but the maestro is always the show. Leonard Bernstein (and I'm embarrassed to say this) was my first crush. Understand that I was born in North Philadelphia where listening to classical music could get you beat up, but I did not care. The Maestro was everything!

[@victorvillatoro7241]

Woah why would they beat you up for listening to classical music? Also around what time period do you refer to?

[@vegasrenie]

@@victorvillatoro7241 1950s/1960s. And that was way before things are as crazy as they are now. I was a nerd then, (still a nerd TBH) & like a lot of music, including classical.

[@Altonahh10]

Bernstein and Mahler, that´s the perfect musical symbiosis.

[@kiaraeijo]

Oddly enough there are a lot of parallels between Mahler’s life and Bernstein Both were Jewish Both at some point were artistic directors of the New York Phil Both were more famous for their conducting than for their compositions.

[@penelopeyoung4453]

Much as I revere Bernstein as a teacher, much as I love West Side Story I've always taken issue with the slow tempos he used in conducting Mahler. This is a revelation though. The slower tempo gives the music the weight and power that it needs, perhaps even demands.

[@Altonahh10]

Bernstein wasn´t slow, he was thorough with the music and understood it like nobody else.

[@brians9508]

@@Altonahh10 not sure what you mean - saying that Bernstein has a slower tempo than others does not mean you are saying he did not understand the music. I also don't feel like a slightly faster tempo betrays a lack of understanding either.

[@Altonahh10]

I was referring to Penelope´s remark about the slower tempo. I didn´t say that being faster is less thorough, please read carefully before you accuse me of having written something that isn´t there 😚@@brians9508

[@josephososkie3029]

He was a talker and engaging but, you’re right, his tempo was sometimes noticeably disconcerting. Musicians he can browbeat. The only way to shed light I think is to show round table with other conductors of equal rank. I doubt the movie shows that.

[@terrywestbrook-lienert2296]

The music just cascaded in torrents from the depths of his soul. Rest in harmonic splendor, Maestro!

[@thecatspajamas8918]

When the sopranos hit that high B-flat at :44 I just about lose it. Every time. Just incredible. Looking forward to performing this work in spring 2024.

[@stephenburnage7687]

It must be an amazing experience to have any part of performing this

[@douglasbrown4150]

Yes. And the outrageous alto high G at the cadence!

[@user-zs6ns8od4w]

Leonard Bernstein 😂 Really A Great Conductor One of the Greatest Of All Time

[@cathrynory8854]

The expressions on his face! Talk about 'being in the zone.' Wow.

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

Mahler's music is Heavenly. Bernstein was the perfect conductor for this kind of music. RIP Maestro

[@user-ut2hy2gr5l]

This man was THE face of music in the second half of the 20th Century.

[@mallurypollard7815]

The face of…classical music? Be specific, because there are a few global icons that emerged between 1950-2000 that were/are arguably just as influential if not more than Bernstein.

[@sirleo5103]

No. No, he wasn't. If it wasn't for all the buzz surrounding Bradley Cooper's movie, I would have never even heard of this guy. Did he actually write his own music? Or did he make a living "conducting" other people's music? If so, how could he be the "face" of anything? It's funny how no one cares about the people actually performing the music, but they care for the dude flailing his arms around like an idiot.

[@nonyabidness7911]

@@sirleo5103if it took you until 2023 to hear about LB, maybe you’re not as deeply cultured as you think

[@googleuser1197]

@@sirleo5103 You don't seem to understand the role of the conductor. The interpretation of the music by the orchestra is crafted during rehearsals, when the conductor's "vision" of the piece comes to life. The performance is the culmination after the musicians understand what the conductor wants to hear at each point in the music and because they are professionals who have worked with many conductors it doesn't take much for them to respond and understand what is expected. Also if you're never heard of Bernstein before it is surprising since he played such a prominent role in 20th-Century music performance. Maybe you're not aware he was also a composer, both of classical music (e.g. Mass, The Chichester Psalms) and theatre music (e.g. West Side Story and Candide) and as a teacher (The Young People's Concerts broadcast on CBS for years). You have a lot to explore and learn!

[@lindadeal3344]

Wasn't he magnificent and a joy to watch conducting an orchestra!!

[@jimcrawford5039]

No he wasn’t! An ego a mile high! He thought he was much better than he was! Another Karajan who thought he was the greatest!

[@bruced.campbell4498]

@@jimcrawford5039 You are of course entitled to your opinion, though I suspect that yours is in the minority, especially among orchestra musicians like me.

[@brians9508]

those big gigantic gestures were vastly overdone. he needed to let the music speak for itself rather than make himself the star of the show.

[@eltiogottlieb.4911]

No podía faltar un comentario de esta índole.​@@jimcrawford5039

[@eltiogottlieb.4911]

​@@bruced.campbell4498 ¡Me sumo a tu opinión!

[@Traderbear]

Amazing! I cannot wait to see Bradley Cooper in Maestro. You can see his reverence for Lenny ooze out of him.

[@ottdog1952]

Just saw this scene in the movie and Bradly Cooper must've studied it very closely. Cooper did a very good job of it. Well done.

[@theprofessor1235]

The word Masterpiece is thrown around too much. This is GENUINELY the greatest composition with verve and precision that cements Bernstein as one of the greatest, if not the greatest of the past 100 years.

[@makemusichere]

Perhaps my favourite quote from a music teacher: "As a teacher, I reserve the right to be wrong!" -Leonard Bernstein

[@viggolover1]

The mistake that some people are making about this movie is that people are expecting a biopic about his work, when obviously is about his life with his wife and the complexity of his character....you can see his struggles and besides all that he was a good father, friend and in his own way husband and how she loved him regardless

[@tiffsaver]

When Bradley Cooper conducted the London Symphony Orchestra for this movie, one of the actual musicians said this of his performance: "We weren't playing for Bradley Cooper, we were playing with Leonard Bernstein." 'Nuff said.

[@alexvanpelt5119]

This piece is majesty and ecstacy. The sincere pinnacle of divinely inspired human creation in music. I come to this specific recording time and time again because of Bernstein's interpretation in which he soaks in glory of the theme: Auferstehn!

[@krkMuse]

Hollywood took notice of the greatness of this man. Especially with this piece by Mahler.

[@RB-.-]

he was exposed to have sexual interactions with people of the same gender

[@cynthiaa.deleon7868]

He became one with the music. Sheer genius.

[@eclosion6940]

His brilliant, vivacious, energétic, sensible and his profound knowledge and interpretation of Mahler's music, is simpa overwhelming. My eyes are full of teas.

[@tylernichols9650]

The joy and passion on his face is just captivating!

[@cristinstagno5108]

Sin palabras, EXCEPCIONAL!!!

[@jacobfield4848]

The musicians are the ones doing all the work.

[@user-tp4ys2re5m]

In Mahler, you can see death, redemption, rebirth and humanity…. That’s the mastero meets each other in life ❤

[@jackieb8265]

THE ENORMITY OF WHAT THIS MAN ACCOMPLISHED CANNOT BE OVERSTATED.....THE JOY AND PASSION IN HIS CONDUCTING IS A BEAUTIFUL THING TO BEHOLD.....I REGRET NOT BEING EXPOSED TO HIS WORK MORE THAN I WAS.....BUT AM SO GRATEFUL FOR BRADLEY COOPER'S MASTERFUL DEPICTION OF HIS LIFE.

[@Sandy-lj2lo]

Bravisimo tutti! Utterly beyond words. I feel so fortunate that the first time I performed this was with Michael Tilson Thomas, a student of Berstein's, in the late 1990s. MTT carried forward Bernstein's great love of Mahler's music to more generations. I had never heard, much less performed Mahler's symphonic music before performing/listenint to all of the Mahler symphonies in a San Franciso Symphony Mahler vestifal. I will alway be profoundly grateful to have had this opportunity. I wish it were something everyone could hear. The depth of insight into being human behind this music is such a gift to those who can listen. My thanks to all, to Bruno Walter, to Bernstein, to MTT, to all who have made it possible for people to continue to listen and learn from these gifts to humanity and especially to Mahler who gave this gift of himself to us all.

[@Twentythousandlps]

I like your phrase, "a gift to those who can listen." Ay, there's the rub - most cannot listen.

[@poplarboydavid]

Mahler was a genius! Bernstein really seemed to get it and get the most from it!

[@heather_soprano]

Mahler and Bernstein ❤❤❤

[@geraldineclarke5434]

as a very young kid, I fell in love with Lenny the first time I watched a Young People's Concert all those decades ago. Until then, I didn't believe that any man could express such emotion and love.

[@RB-.-]

he was exposed to have sexual interactions with people of the same gender

[@Ivosferatus]

Thank you, Bradley.

[@mike365fly]

😂He could not replicate 50% of this even if he spend the rest of his life trying

[@jacobschiller4486]

Hell no! 😂

[@meveevem1001]

Thank you for this film. The sheer genius of Leonard Bernstein is monumental.

[@supadopemex9245]

I discovered this piece in college and this specific performance in 2010. It’s always been my favorite thing to show people when I tell them about why I love classical music. I can’t wait to see this movie. I very rarely know much about the history in movies before I watch them, but this one I will be extremely familiar with.

[@tonfiselier1818]

Tears in my eyes. That's pure joy, right there. Way to go, Lenny!

[@MicaFarrierRheayan]

He is so passionate. I love this pieces of perfection!

[@borinacalzetta1394]

Astonishing Thanks Mahler and Bernstein

[@dyutimaybanerjee6718]

Magnanimous, Magnificent, Grand, Absolute masterpiece ❤

[@MegaHockeypuck1]

.. conducting while smiling .. ladies and gentlemen ... mr Leonard Bernstein !!!!!!

[@maryrose7467]

How I would love to hear a re-mastered version of this very concert! Same music, but a sound quality in that magnificent cathedral as it was originally meant to be heard.

[@MOV1983]

Go maestro!!! Those strings are on fire!!!

[@OctPSfever]

Wow he did it with all of his heart and passion. Very moving

[@despejismo2678]

My favorite orchestral master piece ever. Had the chance to see it live (not with Berstein but even, marvellous! )

[@bowtoyoursensei554]

I adored his Young People's Concerts when I was a child. He gave me a life-long love of classical music.

[@jeancome8848]

Merveilleux, Extraordinaire, Unique !!!!

[@JonW9999]

I’m not a classical music fan per se but seeing this in Maestro and now here…wow…the way the music just builds and builds to crescendo after crescendo is absolutely overpowering. I’ve never heard anything quite like it.

[@Bachback]

We are united in Heaven.

[@ellenorchid01]

Gustav Mahler was a musical genius. Hitler banned his music but Bernstein revived it and repopularized it in Vienna, Mahler's home, so that they and everyone can now enjoy Mahler's inspiring masterpieces. Thanks to Bradley Cooper for stimulating all this interest in all this splendid music and remarkably brilliant artists (including Felicia, of course)

[@ellenorchid01]

Isn't it wonderful and uplifting!

[@Yeslifemusic]

Simply the grandest, most beautiful and profound, sublime work of all music! Always and forever my most beloved creation and conductor!

[@andrewwilliams9599]

He'a ao passionately, madly in love with this music that he carries the listener with him on an unforgettable adventure.

[@tonydelia9998]

I literally cried when I heard this in Maestro. So good it brought me to tears

[@mercedescorcheroquesada]

Me conquistó en west Side Story, Yo tenia 16 años. Sus sinfonías de Mahler son MARAVILLOSAS ❤❤❤❤

[@user-vl6op9yk6k]

Unbelievable. Tempii beautifully measured. Expressions and emotions wrings the very best out of all the performers

[@johnmillholland6550]

I love the hear the music after the final note is struck - hearing the chord ring out into the the vastness of the space and perhaps beyond our own physical world and into the endless spirit world. Music for the angels and the saints who have gone before.

[@houdinididiit]

As child I grew up watching Bernstein throughout the years. It's hard to believe such a giant is gone. That goes for a lot of giants. See them, honor them, be grateful for them when they are here on planet earth. Thank you Lenny 🙏

[@chubbanino]

Sublime, divine. It is energy vibrating as sound in its most splendor and glory ! Mahler and Bernstein were used as conduits to bring this heavenly gift to mankind.

[@charlescoleman5509]

Bradley Cooper did a wonderful job with “Maestro”. A great way to promote one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.

[@tinplater]

What a glorious performance. Remarkably it was the Utah Symphony under Maurice Abravanel and Cardinal Records that brought world wide attention to this masterpiece. It also featured a young Beverly Sills and was among the first recordings to use Dolby noise reduction.

[@BillyOcean336]

This is the best quality of this I’ve ever seen!

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

Glorious to be overcome with emotions! Thank you 🌞

[@joshuatealeaves]

I’m looking forward to this trilogy of movies. Can’t wait for Maestro 2

[@ozzy_delete]

I dare to emulate the same wholesome surrender to artistry and craft. Legend

[@jacquesm6847]

Master work, master performance, master of ART…LEGAND!,, bravo tre bien..😉❤️👍🏼🥰

[@brandonwendt1312]

This is so beautiful !!! It elevates you to a whole new level my soul is forced out of my voice

[@mm4forever]

Bradley cooper you’re the man

[@lspowell2548]

Magnificent is the word! Tears and laughter together.. 🤗🙏

[@kevinlampton]

This is a real musician ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ravenhenri4724]

Man! Those were golden times for music

[@vivianamora7505]

Absolutely gorgeous 🎶🎻so powerful 😢❤

[@jgesselberty]

In most performances, Bernstein had already done the hard work with hours of study of the score and long hours of rehearsals. What we see, for the most part, on the podium is pure theater and well deserved.

[@Don.James.]

I want to experience this symphony live so much.

[@cherylrobbins6750]

Absolutely brings me to tears.

[@carolynbartels9229]

Bradley Cooper nailed it! ❤

[@solitarybeag]

I grew up watching his You g People’s Concerts on TV. No one like him.

[@Elfinmaugetar]

Love it! Seems superfluous today when conductors dance on the floors doing basicly nothing AND its sounds amazing.. Its another time. really...

[@gabbysmandarinandme]

AMAZING! Incredible! So big so loved 🥰 ❤

[@mariacristinamontanari2387]

Non il film,ma solo la realta' da lui resa possibile. Solo questo per me e un caro ricordo sempre!

[@michaelmcclary8054]

Oh my God! Who on Earth could have written this?;?;😢

[@Thedearster]

This piece is almost 1.5 hrs and Lenny conducted it FROM MEMORY!!! Insane

[@lindasteinfl]

Bernstein was miraculous! Thank you, Bradley Cooper, for bringing him back to life!

[@robsniffen7597]

This can never be replicated but Maestro is as close as we may get. Amazing performance by Bradley Cooper. Cements him as one of the greatest actors of his time.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@christopherkline4042]

No words… just ❤️‍🔥

[@Jkvantage120]

I get goosebumps watching this

[@nwest127]

It’s like the music is channeled through his body.

[@DaveDarwinBayani]

The scene where Maestro Leonard Bernstein performed the piece can't wait to see the movie on Netflix this coming December.

[@2034916]

Anyone who loves classical music and is looking forward to seeing this film for the musical experience should see the film on the big screen,

[@christophertiller-nb5tv]

@@2034916 Hear hear

[@corra7]

Cooper nailed this! I was so moved!

[@jeffdavis4618]

Cooper chewed the scenery. Mulligan runs off with the movie.

[@janmorgan7435]

The power of the music wakens the soul

[@Dylonely42]

This is simply eargasmic.

[@meta4sbewithu]

Fantastic! Thanks for posting. And May I say I never in my life looked at Leonard Bernstein and thought his nose was big. It was perfect. He was a handsome man and had the nose that made him handsome. He’s a pleasure to watch. Thanks.

[@margo715]

Chills watching this! Made my day!

[@sebatorresAg]

Magnific

[@albertolauro2433]

Memorable

[@maluira]

Sublime!

[@andgo1400]

That makes me want to see the movie even more now.

[@despejismo2678]

I saw It today. The part where this masterpiece is played is overwhelming❤