Bernstein in Vienna: Beethoven, The Ninth Symphony

To play Beethoven's music is to give oneself over completely to the child-spirit which lived in that grim, awkward, violent man. Without that utter submission it is impossible to play the Adagio of the Ninth. Or, Heaven knows, the first movement. And the Finale? Most of all! It is simply unplayable unless we go all the way with him, as he cries out "Brüder!" - Leonard Bernstein

Cast

Plácido Domingo

Self / Tenor

Gwyneth Jones

Self / Soprano

Martti Talvela

Self / Bass-Baritone

Shirley Verrett

Self / Mezzo-Soprano

Leonard Bernstein

Self / Conductor

Michael Wager

Self / Off-screen Announcer

Vienna Philharmonic