A Mass at the Cathedral of Barcelona

I managed to find that there was a Choral Eucharist at the Cathedral of Barcelona on Sunday morning at 10.30.The Cathedral has a Neo-Gothic (also known as French Flamboyant or "flame like") facade. It is obvious that Gaudi obtained some of his inspiration for the design of the Sagrada Familia. There are resident geese in the cloisters. There was an excellent small choir. It was interesting to hear the traditional Roman Catholic Mass the day after listening to Bernstein’s inspiring Mass composed in 1971. 

Leonard Bernstein’s Mass

I always look for a concert or opera that may be being performed when visiting a large city. Leonard Bernstein composed his mass in 1971 at the request of Jaqueline Kennedy for the opening of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 1971. Bernstein was Jewish but the Kennedy family were Catholic. The Mass is based on the Roman Catholic mass. However Bernstein collaborated with Stephen Schwartz (Godspell) in composing the mass. It is a remarkable piece of music that combines sacred music with Musical Theatre. Some parts sound a little like West Side Story. There was a lot of reaction to it when it was first performed particularly from the Catholic Church. However in 2000 Pope Paul requested a performance at the Vatican. Last evening it was performed by a large symphony orchestra (known as the Symphony Orchestra of Barcelona and the Catalonia National Orchestra), three choirs (A choral society, a musical theatre group and a children’s choir). For those wishing to read more about the Mass it can be found at Leonard Bernstein.  You have to search for the Mass amongst his combinations on this web site that appears to have been put together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bernstein’s birth.