Read a report, with video and photos, by Rosey Brown, a student who sang in this Prom
Review from Edward Seckerson
Review from The Arts Desk
Review from the Evening Standard
This was broadcast live from The Albert Hall, London on BBC radio
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Bernstein – Mass
An image from the 1971 premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass
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Bernstein: Mass ( comprehensive information at Wiki )
This 1971 composition by Leonard Bernstein, commissioned by Jackie Kennedy Onassis for the opening of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., took a stunning, often controversial approach to both the art of classical composition and to the theme of the Catholic Mass. Bernstein (a Jew who was always fascinated by the Catholic liturgy) boldy combines a large orchestra, marching band, mixed chorus, children’s choir, dancers and a rock band to explore the sometimes dark, sometimes jubilant nature of The Mass.
The work explores the mass from the point of view of a Celebrant, who is experiencing a crisis of faith. It follows the liturgy exactly, but the liturgical passages are juxtaposed against frequent interruptions and commentaries by the Celebrant and the congregation, much like a running debate. The Celebrant’s faith is simple and pure at first, as shown in his wish to sing “a simple song” in praise of God. Yet that faith gradually becomes unsustainable under the weight of human misery, corruption, and the trappings of human power. In the end, the Celebrant, on the verge of renouncing his faith, finds that the loneliness of his doubt is no match for the joy of gathering together with other believers in praise.
Bernstein’s Mass receives its first complete Proms performance, conducted by one of its most ardent champions, and supported by a spectrum of talented Welsh children and adult musicians. Using an interesting mix of styles, Bernstein created a rich, quintessentially American score that has recently begun to emerge as a modern classic.
video courtesy of TheLeonardBernstein
Link to BBC for an audio clip
Morten Frank Larsen (bass-baritone)
Julius Foo (treble)
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pwll Coch, Caerdydd
Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Gymraeg, Llantrisant
Ysgol Gynradd Dolau, Llanharan
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg, Rhydaman
National Youth Choir of Wales
Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal
Musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
BBC National Chorus of Wales
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
National Youth Orchestra of Wales
Kristjan Järvi (conductor)
Thomas Kiemleb (stage director)
Photocredit: Jack Mitchell via Wiki
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DURATION: 2 hours and 10 minutes
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