In Bernstein’s work, the Kaddish text, which is traditionally recited by men, is sung three times through by the soprano solo, chorus, and boys’ choir. His treatment of the prayer, which is already both an affirmation of life and a requiem, both praise and supplication, and written in two languages, explores additional dualities. There are two soloists: one a speaker, the other a singer. The score combines the traditional prayer, in Hebrew and Aramaic, with a personal mediation upon it in English. There are both sacred and “profane” elements in the score: choral singing suggestive of Jewish
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