Leonard Bernstein’s Mass was a spectacular work commissioned for the gala opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC in 1971.
Like so much else during that time of upheaval in America, it was not without controversy – indeed it was intended to be provocative. Nowadays we wonder what all the fuss was about.
We conclude our celebration of Leonard Bernstein's Centennial this Thursday with what may yet prove to be his iconic work.