Bernstein: Mass

Description

When Leonard Bernstein was asked by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to compose the inaugural piece for the opening of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D. C., he wrote 'The Mass is also an extremely dramatic event in itself - it even suggests a theater work'.Premiered on 8 September 1971, with additional words by Stephen Schwartz of Godspell fame, Mass is a remarkable visionary piece with a kaleidoscope of musical styles that touches on themes of political protest, existential crisis, and religious faith lost and found.Alsop's Jubilant Sykes is the best of all possible celebrants... Sykes was born to play this part.... Alsop is at the root of everything, of course, and her Baltimore players surge ever forward... Alsop and co have probed so deeply, it is not at all assured that the old doubts will not resurface at some point. Blistering." Gramophone CD of the Month"This Naxos issue is a virtual triumph from beginning to end.... In terms of technical achievement it trumps all...the Baltimore Symphony plays most eloquently, particularly in the many lyrical woodwind passages. Engineering is superb, as is [the] booklet essay... Alsop's tight-knit, symphonic pacing delineates the structure of the work without diluting its exuberant eclecticism or softening its hard road towards spiritual awakening." BBC Music Magazine Choral Choice"[Marin Alsop has done her mentor proud...from the start, Alsop conducts with inspiring rhythmic energy...her pacing is superb...the result is not only a welcome opportunity to revisit Mass but also an experience that is both thrilling and moving....This outstanding performance comes with the benefit of excellent sound...from every point of view, this can be counted a triumphant success." International Record Review Outstanding Award""