Leonard Bernstein – Mass (2021) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]

Mass (formally: MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers) is a musical theatre work composed by Leonard Bernstein with text by Bernstein and additional text and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy, it premiered on September 8, 1971, conducted by Maurice Peress and choreographed by Alvin Ailey. The production used costume designs by Frank Thompson. The performance was part of the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Mass premiered in Europe in 1973, with John Mauceri conducting the Yale Symphony Orchestra in Vienna.

Originally, Bernstein had intended to compose a traditional Mass, but instead decided on a more “innovative” form.[citation needed] The work is based on the Tridentine Mass of the Roman Catholic Church. The liturgical passages are sung mostly in Latin, though the “Sanctus” includes portions in Hebrew. Mass also includes additional texts in English written by Bernstein, Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz, and Paul Simon (who wrote the first quatrain of the trope “Half of the People”). The work is intended to be staged theatrically, but it has also been performed in a standard concert setting.

Initial critical reception, including a review in the New York Times, was largely negative, but the Columbia Records recording of the work enjoyed excellent sales.

Tracklist:

01. Leonard Bernstein – I. Devotions before Mass: 1. Antiphon: Kyrie eleison
02. Leonard Bernstein – I. Devotions before Mass: 2. Hymn and Psalm: “A Simple Song”
03. Leonard Bernstein – I. Devotions before Mass: 3. Responsory – Alleluia
04. Leonard Bernstein – II. First Introit (Rondo): 1. Prefatory Prayers
05. Leonard Bernstein – II. First Introit (Rondo): 2. Thrice-Triple Canon – Dominus vobiscum
06. Leonard Bernstein – III. Second Introit: 1. In nomine Patris
07. Leonard Bernstein – III. Second Introit: 2. Prayer for the congregation (Chorale: “Almighty Father”)
08. Leonard Bernstein – III. Second Introit: 3. Epiphany
09. Leonard Bernstein – IV. Confession: 1. Confiteor
10. Leonard Bernstein – IV. Confession: 2. Trope: “I Don’t Know”
11. Leonard Bernstein – IV. Confession: 3. Trope: “Easy”
12. Leonard Bernstein – V. Meditation No. 1
13. Leonard Bernstein – VI. Gloria: 1. Gloria tibi
14. Leonard Bernstein – VI. Gloria: 2. Gloria in excelsis
15. Leonard Bernstein – VI. Gloria: 3. Trope: “Half of the People”
16. Leonard Bernstein – VI. Gloria: 4. Trope: “Thank You”
17. Leonard Bernstein – VII. Meditation No. 2
18. Leonard Bernstein – VIII. Epistle: “The Word of the Lord”
19. Leonard Bernstein – IX. Gospel-Sermon: “God Said”
20. Leonard Bernstein – X. Credo: 1. Credo in unum Deum
21. Leonard Bernstein – X. Credo: 2. Trope: “Non Credo”
22. Leonard Bernstein – X. Credo: 3. Trope: “Hurry”
23. Leonard Bernstein – X. Credo: 4. Trope: “World Without End”
24. Leonard Bernstein – X. Credo: 5. Trope: “I Believe in God”
25. Leonard Bernstein – XI. Meditation No. 3 (De profundis, part 1)
26. Leonard Bernstein – XII. Offertory (De profundis, part 2)
27. Leonard Bernstein – XIII. The Lord’s Prayer: 1. Our Father…
28. Leonard Bernstein – XIII. The Lord’s Prayer: 2. Trope: “I Go On”
29. Leonard Bernstein – XIV. Sanctus
30. Leonard Bernstein – XV. Agnus Dei
31. Leonard Bernstein – XVI. Fraction: “Things Get Broken”
32. Leonard Bernstein – XVII. Pax: Communion (“Secret Songs”)