Dave Brubeck isn't just a jazz great. At age 77, this DVD demonstrates what a musical master and generous, elegant presence he is. In purely musical terms, he's considerably more than just a player, interpreter or band leader. He rises to a greater level of creativity by virtue of his composing, in which he fuses jazz with classical elements.

His basis in the classical idiom is well founded. After serving under Patton in 1942 in World War II and his discharge in 1946, he studied with the great Darius Milhaud before his primary interests led to the formation of his famous quartet. His mark of individuality came from experimentation with time signature unusual to jazz, which developed intricately expressive original works like "Blue Rondo a la Turk" (played here) and "Take Five."

By the time that this 4th visit to Moscow came about in late 1997, he had written two ballets, a musical, an oratorio, four cantatas, solo piano pieces and works for jazz combo and orchestra. Perhaps his most ambitious work of all is his mass, which fits into the latter category with the addition of three singer soloists and choir. It's an expression of his Presbyterian inheritance and the purpose of his visit to Russia as shown on this DVD. His mass, called, "To Hope! A Celebration," is presented in its entirety and captured by Emmy-winning filmmaker Daniel Wilson.

Prior to that concluding "act," we get to witness the warm reception this ambassador of goodwill and international relations through the arts receives, in jam sessions at the elegant Spaso House, in interviews with the Russian musicians and with the acclaim he receives everywhere, notably when he joins the Yurlov State Academic choir as it undergoes training in the Brubeck rhythmic style by Brubeck's conducter, Russell Gloyd. Their process of training for the Mass is enough to warrant having this DVD.

Ah, but there are many other reasons. Brubeck describes why the gorgeous Maria Maskhulia was chosen from a wealth of other candidates to serve as coloratura mezzo-soprano. If it weren't for the exquisite smoothness of her vocal power, it would have been a supremely fine choice simply for her disarming personality--which illuminates the stage. Having been introduced to this beauty, one can only wish that she might advance to international stature so that we may see her again. (I'm dying to see her again!)

Brubeck's compositions fall into a hybrid genre and may never bring him the respect of the classical world that he has a foot in. But the evidence of his fusion between jazz and orchestra is expertly demonstrated by the aging pro who has lost no feel for the beat or the originality of a thematic line. Bobby Militello on sax is a revelation of what can be done in his pure jazz riffs taken up from the classical academicians. On his solos, a new wave of understanding spreads across the mesmerized, mostly Russian audience, which is held in rapt attention by a fresh level of genius and, as well, by the solo work of Jack Six on bass. Drummer Randy Jones exudes control and creative support with the underbeat.

Most astounding was the master himself as he takes his turn with piano variations that start with crisp, sometimes worshipful classical edges, develops it into jazz variation that has the first violinist staring at his finger work on the keyboard in captive awe, and progresses with startling smoothness to the classic modality for soloist or the Russian National Orchestra to pick up. The transitions he works out are reminders of his level of musical art.

The venue for the work is the Bolshoi Hall of the Moscow Conservatory of Music, a place that never before heard the likes of it--a claim supported by audience reaction shots. The level of excitement felt by everyone is palpable. It's joyous and passionate, stimulating and completely satisfying.

In 1999, the National Endowment for the Arts presented Brubeck a Jazz Master's Award in recognition of his ongoing contribution to jazz. He has also received the National Medal of the Arts from President Clinton in a White House ceremony. His musical contributions as both pianist and composer have been honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Bravo!

DVD extras: 34-minute extended interview with Russian TV personality Vladimir Posner (a must-see); Biographies.

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