|| LEONARD BERNSTEIN'S OBJECTS ||
Video: Leonard Bernstein working at the MacDowell Colony
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Leonard Bernstein was already famous when he first came to work at The MacDowell Colony in 1962. He returned in 1970 and 1972. "All of those times I was writing works which had, at least in intent, a vastness, which were dealing with subjects of astronomical if not mystical and astrological dimension," Bernstein reminisced in 1987. "This vastness is inherent somehow in this place."
Bernice Perry. Leonard Bernstein at The MacDowell Colony, 1962. Gelatin silver print. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress (60)
Digital ID # ppmsca-13442
Leonard bernstein
Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990) was already famous when he first stayed at The MacDowell Colony in 1962. He returned in 1970 and 1972. “All of those times I was writing works which had, at least in intent, a vastness, which were dealing with subjects of astronomical if not mystical and astrological dimension,” Bernstein reminisced in 1987. “This vastness is inherent somehow in this place.”
“Gospel” from Bernstein's Mass, 1971
Autograph score. Leonard Bernstein Collection, Music Division, Library of Congress. By permission of The Leonard Berstein Office, Inc.(61)
Digital ID #mc0062p1
By permission of The Leonard Bernstein Office, Inc.
“Gospel” from Bernstein's Mass, 1971
Autograph score. Leonard Bernstein Collection, Music Division, Library of Congress. By permission of The Leonard Berstein Office, Inc. (61)
Digital ID #mc0061p2
By permission of The Leonard Bernstein Office, Inc.
"Gospel" from Bernstein's Mass
Subtitled “A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers,” Leonard Bernstein’ s Mass is a huge work that confounded critics with its conflicting styles. The “Gospel: God Said,” shown here in manuscript, is clearly Broadway inspired, while other selections draw on the blues and rock and roll. Bernstein described the work as a “reaffirmation of faith.” Although some critics considered the work too eclectic, Mass continues to receive attention as a religious work of unquestionable power.
Notes on Bernstein’s Mass
Notes on Mass, made at The MacDowell Colony, 1970. Index cards. Leonard Bernstein Collection, Music Division, Library of Congress. By permission of Leonard Bernstein Music Publishing Company, LLC (62) Digital ID #mc0062
By permission of Leonard Bernstein Music Publishing Company, LLC
Notes on Bernstein’s Mass
Leonard Bernstein composed his Mass for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D. C., on September 8, 1971. His notes, made on index cards at The MacDowell Colony in December of 1970, show the piece taking shape. It is modeled on the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Mass, but its theme of doubt and reconciliation and its clear anti-war message made Mass a controversial work in the era of Vietnam and the Washington of President Richard Nixon.