Bernstein, Leonard

the short score notated in pencil on up to five two-stave systems per page, the music and words of the 'Sanctus' and 'Benedictus' with alterations and deletions, titled and annotated at the head of the first page ("Sanctus (Kids)...Antiphonal Boys Choir"), comprising thirty-two bars of music in all, the entire second page (marked "Insert") lightly crossed through,  

2 pages, folio (c.30 x 23cm), 12-stave paper, [1971], with a photograph of Bernstein and John Gottlieb at Merkin Concert Hall in New York on 12 October 1980 (c.18 x 23cm) and notes of provenance laid down on card

Helen Coates, Bernstein's teacher, gift from the composer (Christmas 1971); Jamie Bernstein, the composer's daughter, with note of presentation by Helen Coates (18 March 1988); Jack Gottleib, the composer's assistant and author of Working with Bernstein (2010), with his note recording the gift from Jamie in October 1997.

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Autograph working music manuscripts by Bernstein are rare at auction. The Mass was commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and premiered on 8 September 1971 to mark the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington.  It combines many aspects of late 60s counter-culture, including rock musicians, amplified guitars, steel drums, electronic tapes, elements from Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, the Swingle Singers, and a hallucinogenic explosion in which the celebrant desecrates the altar. David Schiff in The New Grove describes the work as an American counterpart to Britten's War Requiem; indeed, its anti-war message was all-too evident to the FBI, which advised Richard Nixon not to attend the premiere.  However, Schiff concludes "if the text of the Mass in potentially offensive, the music reveals the composer to be in full command of his musical theatrical powers, moving between styles and moods effortlessly and to great effect".  Please also see lot 202.