Contemporary Classics May 8, 2018 Bernstein's MASS

Tonight on Contemporary Classics is the second of a series of shows devoted to the music of Leonard Bernstein.  2018 is the centenary of his birth.

Tonight’s show will feature his MASS.  His MASS is less a religious work per se and is more of a theatrical mixture of jazz, blues and gospel. Commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy, it premiered on September 8, 1971, conducted by Maurice Peress, as part of the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Originally, Bernstein had intended to compose a traditional Mass, but instead in true Bernstein style wrote in a more innovative theatrical piece. Bernstein scored MASS for a large orchestra, choir, and rock band.  Although the liturgical passages are sung in Latin, the MASS also includes additional texts in English written by Bernstein, Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz, and Paul Simon. 

The underlying themes of MASS may be even more relevant today than at the premiere: religious community vs. individual identity; challenging authority vs. conforming to communal beliefs; war vs. coming together. As you have heard, the spiritual center of MASS is the Celebrant, who, disillusioned by the doubts of his community, goes through a crisis of faith en route to eventual reconciliation and peace. A Catholic Mass seen through the eyes of a Jewish composer, Bernstein’s MASS offers an opportunity for multi-denominational dialogue.

You will be listening to a performance Leonard Bernstein Mass recorded live at Verizon Hall in Philadelphia at concerts between April 30 and May 3, 2015 and the recording was released in March of 2018

In a recorded live performance by Yannick Nézet-Séguin & The Philadelphia Orchestra with Kevin Vortmann, Meredith Lustig, Julia Burrows, Morgan James, E. Clayton Cornelious, Kent Overshown, Benjamin Krumreig, Bryonha Marie Parham, Devin Ilaw, J.D. Webster, The American Boychoir, Westminster Symphonic Choir & Temple University Concert Choir, Temple University Diamond Marching Band & Student Musicians from the School District of Philadelphia   

First segment:  Three Devotions Before Mass; First and second Introit, Three Confessions, Meditation #1

Second segment:  Gloria; Meditation #2; Epistle "The Word of the Lord"; Gospel-Sermon "God Said"           

Third segment: Credo; Meditation #3; Offertory; The Lord's Prayer; Sanctus

Last segent:  Agnus Dei;  Fraction "Things Get Broken"; Pax. Communion