In his Oscar-nominated biopic Maestro, Bradley Cooper was determined not to imitate the legendary Leonard Bernstein. Instead, the actor worked with conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin to find his own rhythm. They spoke with Terry Gross about conducting, Bernstein's legacy, and playing with batons when they were kids. Also, Justin Chang reviews Italy's submission for best foreign film, Io Capitano. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
On the Ted Radio hour, linguist Ann Curzan says she gets a lot of complaints about people using the pronoun they to refer to one person.
I sometimes get into arguments with people where they will say to me, but it can't be singular.
And I will say, but it is.
The history behind words causing a lot of debate.
That's on the Ted radio hour from NPR.
This is FRESH AIR.
I'm Tanya Moseley.
We're counting down to the Oscars, and today we feature our interview about the film Maestro.
It's been nominated for seven Academy Awards, including best picture, actor and actress and original screenplay.
Let's listen to Terry's interview from last month.
My guest Bradley Cooper directed, co wrote and stars in the new film Maestro.
He plays the internationally famous composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.
Also with us is the internationally famous conductor who served as Cooper's conducting consultant, Yanik Nizee Sagan.
He's the music and artistic director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, music director of the Metropolitan opera Orchestra and principal conductor of the orchestra Metropolitan de Montreal.
Bernstein is considered the first great american conductor.
He led the New York Philharmonic from 1957 to 69.
He wrote classical music.
His most popular music was the music he wrote for Broadway music, including on the Town, Wonderful Town, west side Story and Candide, and the score for the film on the Waterfront.
Maestro is about his music life and his personal life.
He was a very public figure, appearing often on tv and leading the philharmonic in his young people's concerts.