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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1985
Runtime1h 25m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationG
GenresDocumentary
Votes2
DirectorHumphrey Burton, Peter Butler
WritersHumphrey Burton, Peter Butler
TypeFeature Film
Rating8.0 out of 10
Cast6 credited
Also Known AsThe Little Drummer Boy: An Essay on Mahler by Leonard Bernstein
About The Little Drummer Boy: An Essay on Mahler by Leonard Bernstein
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'.
Directed by Humphrey Burton, Peter Butler, The Little Drummer Boy: An Essay on Mahler by Leonard Bernstein leans on a strong ensemble — Leonard Bernstein, Janet Baker, Christa Ludwig — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1985.
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