The Kennedy Center
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The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was opened to the public on Sept. 8 1971. For the inaugural concert, Bernstein was commissioned to compose a piece, which became Mass. Just this year in September the center's 25th anniversary was celebrated . The center was very special to Bernstein. He believed that everyoned need to understand music and the fine arts.
Bernstein and the Kennedys Bernstein had a very strong alliance with the Kennedys, mainly Jackie. "I love the White House ," said Bernstein , "more than other house in the world. After all, I'm a musician and a citizen of my country. " After Kennedy was shot Bernstein said," we never really knew how different life was with Kennedy in the White House until it was over. Later in his career, when Bernstein did attend parties at the White House , he was welcomed as a guest speaker and entertainer.
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The Mass The Mass is "a theater piece for singers , players, and dancers," said Bernstein . The piece was dedicated to the slain, President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy . Bernstein used the Catholic mass as a framework and added in Hasidic rhythms, song, modern dance music and moves, and much more. The principal singer was Alan Titus and the principal dancer was Judith Jaminson . The Mass was not conducted by Bernstein but by Maurice Peress. The Mass was composed in 1970 while Bernstein was in Europe on tour. After Bernstein left the Philharmonic in 1969 , he traveled and toured Europe, (not being committed to staying in New York.) The Mass was a huge production . The piece called for over 200 people to perform. Many people asked Bernstein, "Why did you write a piece about the Catholic mass? Your Jewish!" He replied, "We have to educate ourselves...about other religions." When the Mass was first performed , it was disliked by many . However, soon people began to appreciate the piece more and enjoyed it thoroughly . The Mass was described as "a bizarre, seemingly blasphemous theater piece. "It appeared , more than anything else, to be a loud gesture designed to outrage Nixionian Washington . " Bernstein called the Mass the piece that was perhaps the closest to his heart . |