Works Voice(s) & Orchestra Concerto for Orchestra ("Jubilee Games") (1989)

Overview

One of Bernstein’s last works, the Concerto for Orchestra was written for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

Concerto for Orchestra began in 1986 as a two-movement piece titled Jubilee Games, to which Bernstein added the fourth and second movements. The work is dedicated to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, which gave the premiere of each version and recorded the full work under the composer's baton.

Concerto for Orchestra
I. Free-Style Events
II. Mixed Doubles
III. Diaspora Dances
IV. Benediction

The first movement, unique for its extensive, integral use of improvisation and aleatory, focuses more on interaction and play between all members of the orchestra - including the conductor - as individual musicians, and less on the traditional heirarchial approach of the conductor (or composer!) as the 'leader.' The musicians make many choices independently: choosing which scales to play in the opening, cuing off ofone another in the brass' "Shofar" section, developing existing motives of the score ad lib., even entirely free imporvisation. Bernstein conceived this movement as a gift to the musicians - an opportunity to 'play.' There are three 'live recording' sections. Ideally, these sections are recorded live during the performance and then played back at later points in the movement while the orchestra is playing different music.

In the fourth movement, Bernstein incorporates the priestly benediction that closes Jewish services of worship, sung by a solo baritone:
"May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
May He lift up His countenance and give you the blessing of peace."

Details

(1989) 30 min
Text
Three-Fold Benediction from the Bible, Numbers 6:24-26(H)
World Premiere:
April 24, 1989. Fredric R. Mann Auditorium, Tel Aviv, Israel / José Eduardo Chama, baritone / Israel Philharmonic Orchestra / Leonard Bernstein
Scoring
3(III=pic).afl.2.corA.2.asax.Ebcl.bcl.2.2.cbssn-4.3.3.1-timp.perc(4-5)-pft-live baritone or pre-recorded tape-harp-mandolin-strings
Version Notes
The original version of this work, "Jubilee Games", consisting of movements I and III of the final version, was premiered by Leonard Bernstein and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra on September 13, 1986 at Avery Fisher Hall, New York, NY.
(1986) 6 min
Text
Three-Fold Benediction from the Bible, Numbers 6:24-26(H)
World Premiere:
December 15, 1986. Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, United States / Kurt Ollmann, baritone / New York Philharmonic / Leonard Bernstein
Scoring
Baritone solo - 2.2.corA.2.bcl.2.dbn-4.3.3.1-harp-strings
Version Notes
Performance note: This work is the same as Benediction from Concerto for Orchesetra. This work should be referred to as Opening Prayer when it is played as a concert opener. When this work closes a concert, it should be referred to as Benediction.

Transcriptions

Yevarechecha from Opening Prayer
(1987) ca. 2 min
transcribed for voice and organ

Purchasing Licensing Information

To perform Concerto for Orchestra, please contact Boosey & Hawkes. For general licensing inquiries, click here.

Media

1989 audio recording of ‪‎Bernstein‬ conducting the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Concerto for Orchestra, "Free-Style Events."

Opening Prayer (World Premiere), December 15, 1986
Leonard Bernstein, conductor / Kurt Ollmann, baritone / New York Philharmonic / Carnegie Hall Leonard Bernstein, conductor / Kurt Ollmann, baritone / New York Philharmonic / Carnegie Hall

Review A Bernstein Premiere From "New York Times" 1988

 
 
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