LEONARD BERNSTEIN (1918-1990): Symphony No. 3, “Kaddish” (Claire Bloom [narrator], Kelley Nassief [soprano], Maryland State Boychoir, Washington Chorus, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra), The Lark for Narrator, Countertenor, Chorus and Instrumentalists, Missa Brevis for Countertenor, Chorus and Orchestra (Paulo Mestre [countertenor], São Paolo Symphony Choir, Members of the São Paolo Symphony Orchestra).

Description: This appears to be the only available recording of the 17 minutes of incidental music Bernstein wrote in 1955 for Jean Anouilh’s play about Joan of Arc in Lillian Hellman’s translation. The eight choruses, for countertenor accompanied by bells and a small drum are set in a dramatic context in this recording (in the same order they are heard in the play) with added narration from Hellman’s adapted text. This music was reworked much later into the 1988 Missa Brevis.  The Kaddish symphony is given in its 1963 original version. Texts and translations included. Marin Alsop (conductor).