After more than four decades, Leonard Bernstein's original 1971 recording of Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers remains the definitive performance on CD, though several other contenders show that this work is ready for reinterpretation as it secures its place in the 21st century repertoire. This live 2015 performance on Deutsche Grammophon with the Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, is among the worthy successors to Bernstein's recording, and it is quite close in attitude, pacing, and ...
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After more than four decades, Leonard Bernstein's original 1971 recording of Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers remains the definitive performance on CD, though several other contenders show that this work is ready for reinterpretation as it secures its place in the 21st century repertoire. This live 2015 performance on Deutsche Grammophon with the Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, is among the worthy successors to Bernstein's recording, and it is quite close in attitude, pacing, and overall interpretation, if not always in details. Considering the massiveness and unwieldiness of all productions of Mass, which was written for multiple vocal soloists, two mixed choirs, a boy choir, a marching band, a rock band, dancers, quadraphonic tape, and orchestra, entrances and exchanges between the various singers and instrumental groups are sometimes imprecise. Kevin Vortmann's performance as the Celebrant is reminiscent Alan Titus' original portrayal, both in his pure...
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