Bernstein's Mass

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 9:59pm

What do people think of it? I'm considering doing a piece from it in an upcoming cabaret act (if I can get my act together...lol.) and wonder how the majority of people feel about it...

[RadioTV2]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 10:02pm

Are you doing "A Simple Song"? I have used it many times as an audition piece and I love it.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 2/18/05 at 10:04pm

I'm thinking about it - I did it in class a few years ago - and though its tough to place (for this bass/baritone), when I can get it out, I really connect with the lyrics...and I believe good cabaret is all about singing music that you have an emotional connection with.

[lvpblues]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 8:07am

"Mass" in its entirety a fascinating piece. If you haven't heard it all I suggest listening to it all. It has some interesting passages though it's not a perfect work. "Simple Song" is probably the highlight and if you feel you can give the song the emotional connection then it seems as though you've already made up your mind. Though I've only really heard it sung by tenors and sopranos, the timbre of a bass-baritone might add a different dimension to the experience. (That's just me...Good luck with this project!!)

~Kev

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 9:08am

Hey - thanks for the encouragement! I have no idea what direction this new piece may go in, but its good to know that people don't think I'm crazy for wanting to try!

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 9:28am

I saw it years ago @ lincoln Center I believe. I think the piece is available on DVD although not the Lincoln Center prodution

[Pippin]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 1:32pm

I am interested in buying a copy of this. What is the best and most complete recording out there?

also, if it is available in DVD, I would be interested in those opinions as well.

thanks guys.

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 1:53pm

I love this piece...it's SOOOO odd. But it's typical Bernstein (which I love). I think there's a double CD about somewhere. I know it's got a blue cover...that's all I've got.

Anyway, if you love the piece and really connect to it, just change the key. It's not too complicated to put into Finale. I would get someone to do that...or do it yourself if you've got music notation software.

[dayao]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 3:25pm

The best of the two complete recordings of Bernstein's Mass is the 1971 original with Bernstein conducting. The work was commissioned by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy as a tribute to her slain husband and was first performed at the opening of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. that year. The celebrant on this recording is baritone Alan Titus, one of the stars of the New York City Opera Company, who was 26 at the time and his electrifying performance has never been surpassed in any subsequent performance of the Mass and probably never will be as Bernstein gave him free reign to interpret the role, even allowing him to tear off all his clothes near the end in a frenzy of angered anti-war sentiment. This recording is now available on a 2 CD set from Sony Classical.

[Pippin]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 3:43pm

would it be this one, Dayao?

[dayao]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 6:06pm

Yes, that is the recording. It was originally recorded in CBS' then new SQ Quadraphonic 4 channel process. The singers and orchestra were recorded in the round and came at you from all directions just as in the live performance but the CD is the more conventional Stereo version which still sounds excellent. I am still hoping that it will be released someday on DVD or SACD audio which are capable of reproducing the original 4 channels as recorded. You can get this CD at Amazon for a fairly reasonable price for the 2 CD set.

FYI, the part of the celebrant as written calls for a baritone of a very wide vocal range who can comfortably sing in the lower bass but also has an exceptional high baritone range as well. The only singer I know of today who has such a voice and could perform the role on stage plus has the looks and athleticism for the part is baritone James Anest.

Updated On: 9/2/08 at 06:06 PM

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 9:07pm

Mass, I think, was one of Bernstein's most audacious works. He really was combining and attempting to create a new art form altogether -- it wasn't a musical, or an opera, or a classical symphony -- it was something different all on its own. It's a shame it hasn't had a broader scale to be seen on, but I am in full favor of anyone that chooses to attempt it. It's a bold undertaking, but as it's Bernstein, it could have marvelous results.