Leonard Bernstein Mass at the Vatican City

Rating:
Summary: Sub par
Review: I am a huge fan of Mass. I have been since 1972 or so. I saw the 1973 BBC/PBS broadcast of the European premiere which was incredible. I saw the 10 anniversary production broadcast live from the Kennedy Center on PBS. It was good, but not as good as the 1973 broadcast. Tis production doesn't compare. It is a concert production so there is very little staging. The soloist do a fine job with the singing, but for the most part, I have seen more believable acting at my local high school. The classical chorus in the background is small and weak. The climatic scene where the Celebrant hurls down the communion chalice and wafer and removes his vestments and dances on the alter has been emasculated. This is a poor production in most aspects.

Give us the first two video productions on dvd instead of this poorly staged and acted concert production.

Rating:
Summary: Very Disappointed in the Surround Sound
Review: I have followed the Mass from its beginning. I was fortunate to experience it at the JFK Center on opening night, the second opening attended by Lenny with the former First Lady and also at the Pope Paul VI auditorium. It is a masterpiece and timeless. The Surround Sound does not begin until the Credo. Am I the only one that has this problem or do I have a defective DVD.

Does anyone know of another DVD of The Mass? I watch it weekly and Lenny has the insight to see the Catholic Church as it is.

What an experience.

Thanks ofr any help with questions I ask.

Rating:
Summary: Concert DVD Vatican - Mass
Review: I received my Vatican Performance DVD of Mass yesterday and watched it last night. It's a nice performance - I liken it to the PBS version of Les Miz versus a staged theatre version. The scola and children's chorus are adequate, orchestra ok, celebrant, boy soprano and soloists (for the most part) awesome. BUT, this is not a staged version - there is some half-hearted attempt at movement, but no dancers - no elaborate vestments - which I found disappointing having seen the PBS version in the 70's and a staged version at Northwestern University in the 90's. Still, since there are no other versions, this is a worthwhile investment at about $25 on Amazon. Purists be forewarned, apparently Stephen Schwartz lyric changes (specifically during the Confiteor) have been implemented. I would recommend this to anyone who loves Mass, but if you are looking for a fully staged version, we'll have to wait and see if it is ever available on DVD, because this isn't it. The original CDs still offer the best musical quality. The celebrant isn't Mr. Titus, but is excellent in his own right.

Rating:
Summary: A moving account of Bernstein's MASS
Review: If one is to compare this performance with the original PBS version, then you will find this production lacking. However, if you take it on it's own merits, then you will be well pleased with this performance. The tension between the Celebrant and his congregation is well done, and an attempt to give each member of the group their own personality, through dress and mannerism, works well. Kudos must be given to Douglas Webster who provides a moving and sympathetic performance as the Celebrant. The Orchestra of St. Cecilia at times sounds hard pressed, but manages to navigate Bernstein's musical tapestry and are most effective in the Meditations, especially in the Mahlerian first one. As noted, this is basically a semi-staged production, and while I will not harp over what is lacking, I must comment on one ommission which I find regretable. At the emotional apex of the piece, when the Celebrant cries "Pacem!", he is to throw the Communion Chalice onto the floor, which shatters. In this production, there is no Chalice to be seen, which makes the following song "Isn't that Odd?" sound very odd indeed when the Celebrant is describing the spilled wine and shattered glass. This episode reminds me of Wotan singing about his spear, but the director decides that the god will not have one. Come on, cannot a director appreciate the need for a prop once in awhile? Anyone unfamiliar with the MASS, will wonder what the heck the Celebrant is talking about. Now that I aired my pet peeve, I'll conclude by saying that this is a very moving performance that could warm even the coldest of hearts, if only for two hours....recommended with minor reservations..

Rating:
Summary: MASS in Japan
Review: There is a DVD avaiable from JAPAN of the entire performance albeit performed in Japan (I mean overseas in the country), but the orch and performers are very good, dif from the original for obvious reasons, I want to say it is HMV in Japan but I must check my records for this, I think you can also find it on the Bernstein site and the Kennedy site, I found this about a year or so ago, the original Kennedy performance is hung up in litigations between I think SONY, Kennedy and the family, although the family wants it released.