Deutsche
Grammophon recently released their first-ever recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass - an appropriate
choice marking the composer’s centennial year. While many music lovers may be
quick to recognize Bernstein hits such as themes from West Side Story or the overture to Candide, not everyone is acquainted with Mass. I myself have never seen the piece performed, and am thrilled
that Cincinnati’s May Festival Chorus will perform it as part of their 2018
Festival on May 19. WGUC will also broadcast this performance on October 14 at
8pm.
Bernstein’s
Mass was commissioned by Jacqueline
Kennedy Onassis for the inauguration of the Kennedy Center in 1971. In it, the
composer fuses together religious and secular elements. Don’t be fooled by its
title – Mass is certainly not
traditional. Bernstein uses a rock band, marching band, several choirs, and
more making it quite the spectacle. This album features a performance from
Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra and is an essential
addition to the library of any true Bernstein devotee.
