To celebrate the third year of its unprecedented CD series that explores the breadth and variety of music related to the Jewish experience in America, the Milken Archive of American Jewish Music has released a compact disc featuring Leonard Bernstein's two best-known works of Judaic inspiration: Kaddish, Symphony No. 3 and Chichester Psalms, both in all-new recordings by Gerard Schwarz leading the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir.
This CD, now available on Naxos American Classics, illustrates how one of the iconic musical figures of our time expanded fundamental elements of his Jewish heritage to communicate universal values and concerns. It complements the Milken Archive's 2003 release, Leonard Bernstein: A Jewish Legacy, which features 14 of the composer's early, rarely performed or not previously recorded Jewish-related compositions, and which the Newark Star Ledger called "the most illuminating Bernstein recording in years..."
Kaddish, Symhony No. 3—Bernstein's Personal Plea for Peace and Reconciliation, in the Composer's Final Version of 1977
It is in Kaddish, Symphony No. 3, perhaps more than in any of his compositions, that Leonard Bernstein brought together his Jewish spiritual roots and his lifelong concern for the plight of a floundering humanity. A non-liturgical concert work with marked theatrical overtones, the Kaddish Symphony draws on two aspects of Judaism: one liturgical—the Kaddish ("sanctification") prayer of praise and affirmation that is recited during every communal Jewish worship service as well as by mourners; and one literary-poetic—the Hassidic image of a candid dialogue with God. Bernstein focuses on the issues of mankind's ultimate survival—the threat of nuclear annihilation and society's spiritual and moral self-destruction arising from ignorance and intolerance. Never completely satisfied with this intense, highly personal work, which he dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, the composer thought about and revised it continually. His final authorized version of 1977 is the basis of this Milken Archive recording.
Chichester Psalms—Bernstein's Most Frequently Performed Choral Work That Conveys Ancient Texts in A Fresh Musical Style
Also heard on this new disc is Bernstein's most frequently performed choral work, Chichester Psalms, a setting of Psalm texts for chorus, boy soloist and orchestra that is alternately exuberant and lyrical. Commissioned by England's Chichester Cathedral, premiered almost exactly 40 years ago, and firmly ensconced in the Western canon, this work reflects the ecumenical spirit of the 1960's and embodies the composer's most accessible style.
This new Milken Archive CD is being released shortly before the Jewish High Holy Days, which begin this year on October 4. Just as man, during this period of intense reflection and self-examination, is required to call himself to account for his thoughts and actions over the preceding year, Leonard Bernstein, in his Kaddish Symphony, calls God to account for the predicament humanity finds itself in, and in essence implores both man and God to renew their ancient covenant and reciprocal promises before it is too late.
