Bradley Cooper spent six years learning to conduct six minutes of music for his film MAESTRO and was ‘terrified’

Much of the discussion is about Bradley Cooperthe latest film project by Master, revolved around his astonishing physical transformation into iconic conductor Leonard Bernstein. However, what may amaze audiences even more is the extraordinary dedication Cooper put into mastering the art of conducting for a crucial six-minute scene in the film.

At a recent screening in Los Angeles, moderated by Hamilton Tony winner Lin-Manuel MirandaCooper shared the incredible journey that led him to spend six years honing his conducting skills for these six minutes of music.

The focal point of Cooper’s incredible preparation was a scene recreating Bernstein’s legendary conducting of the London Symphony Orchestra at Ely Cathedral in 1976. This sequence stands out as the film’s most exhilarating, showcasing both the musical brilliance of Bernstein that Cooper’s extraordinary performance.

Speaking about the film during an interview with IndieWire, Cooper shared:

“That scene I was so worried about because we shot it live. That was the London Symphony Orchestra. I was recorded live. I had to lead them. And I spent six years learning to conduct six minutes and 21 seconds of music.”

The dedication and effort that Cooper has invested in this endeavor is evident in his attention to detail. He watched raw footage of Leonard Bernstein that he conducted at Ely Cathedral in 1976 to study the nuances of the performance. He said:

“I was able to get a raw view of when I was watching Leonard Bernstein [conduct] at Ely Cathedral with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1976. And so I had to study it.

“Nézet-Séguin made videos with all the tempo changes, so I had all the material to work with. It was really about dialing in exactly what I wanted cinematically and then inviting them to inhabit that space and trusting that everyone had done the work. Because I think I know I was terrified, absolutely terrified that if I didn’t do the work I wouldn’t be able to enjoy these scenes. And they all did it.”

Master is described as “a commanding and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between cultural icon Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. A love letter to life and art, Maestro, at its essence, is an emotionally epic portrait of family and love.”

Leonard and Felicia’s complex love story is one that spans over 30 years: from the moment they met in 1946 at a party and continues through two engagements, a 25-year marriage and three children: Jamie Bernstein, Alexander Bernstein and Nina Bernstein. Simmons.

Cooper directed the film and also co-wrote the screenplay with the Spotlight screenwriter Josh singer, and worked closely with the Bernstein family for three years to develop the film. The project’s producers include Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Fred Berner and Amy Durning.

The film also co-stars Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, Maya HawkeAND Sarah Silvermann. Master will be released in theaters on November 22nd and on Netflix on December 20th.