Matt Bomer as David Oppenheim in Maestro: Leonard Bernstein's Close Friend

"Maestro," a new Netflix film, focuses on Leonard Bernstein's career and personal relationships, including his friendship with clarinet player David Oppenheim.

Leonard Bernstein's life and relationships are the subject of the new Netflix film "Maestro," featuring Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan. The film delves into Bernstein's complex marriage to Felicia Montealegre, as well as his friendship with clarinet player David Oppenheim.

The portrayal of Bernstein and Oppenheim's relationship in the film raises questions about the nature of their real-life friendship. While the exact date of their first meeting is not widely known, they were both active in the New York classical music scene in the 1940s.

Correspondence between Bernstein and Oppenheim reveals a deep and enduring friendship. Oppenheim was the first clarinetist for the New York Symphony Orchestra, and the two musicians continued to interact through Bernstein's work as a conductor and teacher at the Tanglewood Music Center.

After a successful career in television and academia, Oppenheim passed away in 2007, while Bernstein died in 1990. Their relationship, while not explicitly addressed in historical records, is depicted as emotionally rich and fulfilling in their correspondence.

The film "Maestro" suggests that Bernstein and Oppenheim may have been more than just friends, but the true nature of their relationship remains unclear. Regardless, their deep bond is evident in their letters, and it is clear that they shared a profound connection.