The Little Drummer Boy: An Essay on Mahler by Leonard Bernstein (1985)

Plot Summary

This television essay from 1985 was written by Leonard Bernstein to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Gustav Mahler's birth. Recorded in Israel, Vienna and later in London, it is punctuated by biographical interludes and illustrated by musical examples drawn from the cycle of Mahler's works recorded by Bernstein. Bernstein talks, plays and conducts various orchestras (Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Wiener Philharmoniker) and soloists (Janet Baker, Christa Ludwig, Edith Mathis, Lucia Popp, Walton Groenroos) in performances spanning 17 years. Leonard Bernstein also examines the roots of Gustav Mahler's inspiration. The programme also features music from the nine symphonies, 'The Song of the Earth' and the 'Wunderhorn Cycle'.

Full Cast & Characters

Leonard Bernstein

Self

Janet Baker

Self

Christa Ludwig

Self

Edith Mathis

Self

Lucia Popp

Self

Walton Grönroos

Self

Director & Crew

Where to Watch The Little Drummer Boy: An Essay on Mahler by Leonard Bernstein Online

Movies Similar to The Little Drummer Boy: An Essay on Mahler by Leonard Bernstein

TMDB 6.2

Attrazione D'Amore/Voyage to Cythera

1998

TMDB NR

Of Love, Death, and Beyond: Exploring Mahler's Resurrection Symphony

2011

TMDB 6.8

Mahler

1974

TMDB 9.0

Mahler: Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” – Lucerne Festival

2008

TMDB 10.0

Lucerne 2007: Abbado conducts Mahler 3rd Symphony

2009

TMDB NR

Lucerne Festival 2009 - Abbado conducts Mahler No. 4 Rückert Lieder

2010

Frequently Asked Questions