Mass (Bernstein)

Bernstein's Mass was commissioned for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., in 1971. The premiere took place on September 8 of that year as part of the center's opening gala.

The full subtitle is "A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers," reflecting its hybrid nature as a staged dramatic work rather than a traditional liturgical setting. It incorporates a Celebrant character, street singers, rock and blues bands, and a classical orchestra within a theatrical framework.

Bernstein's Mass sets the text of the Roman Catholic liturgy but places it within a dramatic theatrical structure that questions faith and explores social unrest through popular music styles. The work caused controversy upon its premiere due to its unconventional treatment of sacred text.

The work calls for an enormous ensemble including a Celebrant, a boy soprano, two mixed choruses, a street chorus, rock band, blues band, brass ensemble, and full orchestra. This massive scale reflects Bernstein's ambition to merge multiple musical traditions into a single theatrical experience.