Bernstein in Vienna: Beethoven, The Ninth Symphony

The story

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 & crew

Plácido DomingoSelf / Tenor

Gwyneth JonesSelf / Soprano

Martti TalvelaSelf / Bass-Baritone

Shirley VerrettSelf / Mezzo-Soprano

Leonard BernsteinSelf / Conductor

Michael Wager

Michael WagerSelf / Off-screen Announcer

Vienna Philharmonic

Vienna PhilharmonicCast