Bernstein: Mass
Sheet Music

SKU: NX.C5370

By Company of Music, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Schulerinnen und Schuler der Opernschule der Wiener Staatsoper, Vojtech Dyk, and Wiener Singakademie. By Leonard Bernstein. Classical, Oratorio. Classical. CD. Capriccio #C5370. Published by Capriccio (NX.C5370).

845221053707. Conducted by Dennis Russell Davies.

Few people had comparable charisma to him, few like him could blur the borders between 'serious' classical music and 'entertaining' popular music and few apart from him could find access to people of all generations like Bernstein. Living together and love instead of antagonism and hatred permeate his entire life's work in words and notes. Many of the attributes mentioned apply to MASS, premiered in 1971. For the understanding of this unusual work, it is crucial to note that it is not really seen as a mass composition, but in keeping with Bernstein's intentions as 'a theatrical piece with the title 'MASS'. So, it is perhaps the most audacious interpretation of the liturgical contents up to then and since then. The responses to the premiere were thoroughly ambivalent, as, apart from enthusiasm, there was also rejection on the part of conservative minded circles. And the clearly conveyed message of peace was partly rejected since it could be understood not least as an unmistakable indictment of the Vietnam War still in progress.