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West Side Story
based on a conception of Jerome Robbins
Book by Arthur Laurents
Maria Kiri Te Kanawa soprano |
DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 457 199-2
[76'36"] full-price
Originally 2CD set now available on single CD with full liberetto. Not to be confused with Selections from the musical also available on single CD.Includes full libretto in English, French and German.
by Adrian Tan
And it all fits, the Montagues and Capulets will be rival street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Friar Lawrence is a neighborhood druggist, street brawls, and a double death ...
Sounds familiar? No, it does not star Leonardo Di Carprio. In fact, when West Side Story was premiered in 1957, Leonardo's parents wouldn't even have met. The collaboration of young American musical prodigy Leonard Bernstein, the talented choreographer Jerome Robbins, the gifted lyricist Stephen Sondheim and writer Arthur Laurents - West Side Story could hardly ever have a chance to be anything less than a smash hit.
The team set out with a vision, to change the face of American musical theatre. Music historians looking for a true blue American opera have already missed Gershwin's Porgy and Bess and Bernstein's earlier collaboration with Lillian Hellman in Voltaire's Candide. I will not consider West Side Story an opera, but it comes close to it with the "seriousness" of musical composition and demanding vocal parts for the leads, which are written as if for operatic singers (the extended high B-flat for tenor in "Maria" for example).
Thus, this 1984 recording of the musical makes good sense. Known amongst Bernstein fans as the "operatic version" of West Side Story, it features a stellar cast consisting of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (Maria), Jose Carreras (Tony), Tatiana Troyanos (Anita), Kurt Ollman (Riff) and Marilyn Horne who sings "Somewhere" through an unnamed character in the show. This also features Leonard Bernstein conducting his own music for the very first time.
Not that the Broadway cast recording or the movie soundtrack to the Oscar-winning film version are no good, but listening to this rendition is a revelation. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa breathes new life into her character as she vocalises every phrase of Bernstein's music with such musical sympathy. This was music she grew up on, she says in an interview from West Side Story: The making of the recording (also available on video casette and VCD) even before she took singing seriously.
On the other hand, we have Spanish Jose Carreras whose discomfort with the language and culture of the music are clearly audible but whose musicianship and voice is no less than magnificent.
"Maria" is a song that has been sung in so many ways by a many singers, but to hear Carreras sing it is heart wrenching. The cadenza-like, lovelorn rhapsodising on the name "Maria" finally receives justice in this rendition, as Carreras' passionate delivery is easy and confident.
Tatiana Troyanos' Anita is Maria's nurse, a fiery lady of Puerto Rican descent. She leads her girls in raucous account of the humorous and contagiously rhythmic "America", possibly the most triumphant take on this recording. The lively 'fiesta' atmosphere is captured wonderfully by the orchestra and chorus, a spontaneity that makes you want to jump out of your seat and dance! Her duet with Te Kanawa on the acerbic "A boy like that" deserves mention as well. They capture Anita's love for Maria leading to her change of loyalty, which is a great dramatic consequence to the rest of the musical, from angry outbursts to her sympathy towards the love of the young couple even while it forebodes the tragic outcome. Kurt Ollman's contribution as Tony's pal Riff is less significant, though his portrayal of the rash belligerent gangster that is contrasted with the more "Romantic" Tony is very effective.
I'm sure Bernstein himself would have begged to differ at the outcome of this recording. Certainly, the 'kid' quality is gone, replaced by lovers who can so beautifully articulate every nuance of the music. Perhaps the staging of this is theatrically unfeasible but the music is just so good that it justifies the release of this version.
Whether intentionally or otherwise, the supporting orchestra and chorus who perform so wonderfully is not even named. Gramophone quotes from unknown sources that the orchestra was formed by "some members of the New York Phil" and others.
The versatility of the playing is amazing as they tackle vaudeville numbers, hot Latin-American numbers, snappy jazzy tunes and symphonic writing with equal ease and proficiency. The male chorus members, cast as the Jets, deliver a very funny "Gee, Officer Krupke" and the female choir accompanies Troyanos' "America". All in all, a highly professional team except for Nina and Alexander Bernstein (daughter and son of LB), who do the narrative (spoken) parts of Maria and Tony with fake Puerto Rican accents and contrived delivery of lines. I think this is one of the most distinct flaws in this otherwise definitive rendition of the music.
Lenny voices what must have been the opinion of the creative geniuses who worked on West Side Story. The composer's work can be acclaimed on all fronts: Jerome Robbin's brilliant choreography and direction is well-known in the many critical successes in classical dance and on Broadway throughout his lifetime. In retrospect, the then young talent Stephen Sondheim had already received legendary status in the American musical and song-writing scene with landmark works like Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods. Even so, I'm inclined to say that it is Lenny's music that is truly the backbone of West Side Story; this music when presented with true understanding under his own baton communicates with everyone, from the elitist "Classical music lover" to the layman alike. Indeed, this is the mark of a great work; reminiscent of the reception Bizet's Carmen received at its premiere. For all we know, the masterpieces of the American musical theatre will be hailed as great art by future generations as opera is today.
From Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story log
New York, Jan 6. 1949 Jerry R. called today with a noble idea: a modern version of Romeo and Juliet...
...the bigger idea of making a musical that tells a tragic story in musical-comedy terms ... never falling into the operatic trap
August 25, 1955 ... Suddenly it all springs to life, I can hear the rhythms and pulses, and - most of all - I can sort of feel the form...
Surely, the most moving song in here is "One hand, one heart", a duet sung by Te Kanawa and Carreras. If you already know the sad ending of the story, this scene where Tony and Maria have a make-believe wedding at a bridal shop will be enough to move you to tears. Leonard Bernstein's music communicates directly with the heart; his uncanny understanding of the effect of music in the theatre prevails through the bittersweet melody and beautiful orchestration of the accompaniment. Adding to all that here is the mastery of the phrase and the inspired singing of the two leads that leaves the listener spellbound till the end of the song.
July 8, 1957 ... I guess we were right not to cast "singers": anything that sounded more professional would inevitably sound more experienced, and then the "kid' quality would be gone. A perfect example of a disadvantage turned into a virtue.
Washington D.C. Aug 20, 1957 ... I laughed and cried like I never seen or heard it before. And I guess what made it come out right is that we all really collaborated; we were all writing the same show... Now a whisper about a happy ending was heard. A rare thing on Broadway.
...I am proud and honored to be part of it
It is known that Bernstein never wanted to be remembered as a composer for his work in West Side Story, as much as he loved it. He wanted to be remembered for "serious" works like his symphonies, the "Kaddish" and "The Age of Anxiety". His theatrical ventures have always received more praise than his "serious" compositions, much to his disappointment. It is surprising indeed that a man who was known to spread the joy of music to so many that he worked with and taught, through concerts, masterclasses or television broadcasts, felt so strongly about the need to have written good "serious" music. West Side Story is as successful a piece of music as any serious composition that I have ever heard. Especially in this CD, it deserves to be appraised in a new light. It makes you laugh and cry with it, touching subtly on social themes and of the noblest notions of Romantic love. History will remember Leonard Bernstein as the most important American musical force in the 20th Century, one of the greatest conductors that has ever lived, one of music's greatest teachers ... and the man who gave the world West Side Story.
LEONARD BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) |
Tonight, Tonight ... Adrian Tan is no better than all right.
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401: 6.1.1999. up.1.4.1999 ©Adrian Tan
Readers' Comments
From: Beth Argiro (janice@pruverani.com / Monday, June 12, 2000 at 00:31:29)
I just wanted to say that I performed in West Side Story in Feb. 2000, and I researched extensively because it is such a high-quality show, besides being one of my favorites. I wanted to comment that the 'operatic' CD is indeed excellent, and the only 'West Side' CD that "serious" singers listen to. However, the original Broadway CD really captures the heart of the piece even more. This show is not an easy sing, and touring it can be killing, but you can hear the drive of the young singers on the CD. This show was revolutionary to audiences, and it was those kids who pushed it through and made it a sucess. On the Broadway CD,[Carol Lawrence, Larry Kert, Mickey Calin] you can hear the punk, the tears, and the love. There will never, ever, be another show like it. Rent the movie.
From: Doug (doug@jayrecords.com / Sunday, June 17, 2001 at 21:12:02)
In response to the above comment. Have you listened to our JAY Records recording of the show, many have told us that it is 'definitive'?
From: whitney (shady12341@yahoo.com / Monday, June 18, 2001 at 01:51:07)
i really like your website see we learned about the movie in chorus and i had a interest in it and wanted to find out more information about it. the websites great. thanks, whitney
From: katie (yummywetwipes@hotmail.com / Saturday, July 28, 2001 at 09:24:25)
i was suppose to performe this but our school had a perosn say tehre was a bomb that will explode it never happen i was very upset but it was a great play ! i had the lead roll maria!
From: Nyki (Pureecstasy403@.com / Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 04:55:59)
The West Side Story is the best musical ever made. It is my favorite and has been since 7th grade ... 4 years. I still watch the movie to this day!
From: Angharad (angus.mog@hed.lineone.com / Friday, September 21, 2001 at 21:28:45)
I do really think that this website is brilliant as you can learn a lot of things. I have always loved The West Side Story and love the songs. It is a show which you want to get up and do yourself.I think that there should more musicals like this all around to see what people think of them!!!!!!!!!
From: Sean Mabrey (jjpeachum@aol.com / Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 08:22:03)
I will have to agree with Doug from Jay Records. That recording is definately "definitive." I cannot stand the Te Kanawa-Carreras recording. TONY WITH A SPANISH ACCENT--I MEAN COME ON, GUYS!! The Jay recording is both musically and dramatically satisfying--the cast are great singers AS WELL AS actors. And there's my two cents.
From: Kat (pussy_kat102@hotmail.com / Saturday, October 20, 2001 at 02:38:09)
Hey, just like to say, great site, I wanted to know a bit more about the show, I am doing a production of it in three weeks playing the lead role of Maria, I was just interested and you site had a lot of useful information. Thankyou! Kat 18 - England
From: Nathan lubback-smith (nathy4sure@hotmail.com / Friday, October 26, 2001 at 21:10:11)
oh my god, it was incredibla! i have never seen such a show so remarkable and facinating. i am going to be Maria. You will cast me i am stunningly beautiful so cast me now, im your guy.
From: Alec (ammusical@hotmail.com / Saturday, November 24, 2001 at 02:37:13)
Hi there! I think that the article contains a lot of inforamtion. Unfortunately, information on Stephen Sondheim and Arhut Laurents are missing. In this context, I recommend a new book on Stephen Sondheim: Bauch, Marc. "Themes and Topics of the American Musical after World War II. A Literary Study within the Context of American Drama and American Theater with References to Selected American Musicals by Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, Stephen Sondheim, and James Lapine." Edition Wissenschaft. Reihe: Amerikanistik. Marburg, Germany: Tectum Verlag, 2001. ISBN: 3828811418 More information: www.amazon.de
From: Kristi (PurplePassionJMC@AOL.com / Sunday, January 13, 2002 at 13:13:31)
I want to say I give lenord Berstien a two thumbs up I fell in love with this movie and its an ultimate favorite i loved maria and tony is very handsome but i didnt like the spunky gangster i loved the wedding but he should have leaned off the fights some but all in all it was a success and the movie is sure to make an impact on viewers that have never witnessed the effect that you take with you from this movie... A MUST SEE
From: Michelle (MeeschP@hotmail.com / Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 23:22:17)
I have performend in west side story and loved every minute of it, it is a brilliant musical, and one of my personal favoraites. I played grazeilla and understudy for maria, every one took to their role so well often causing rifts between the cast. I music in it is finominal and is very catchy often resulting in still now a yr on myself and other cast members to burst into song!
From: ( / Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 07:22:23)
From: Cindy Lau (cindylauseewei@hotmail.com / Tuesday, June 11, 2002 at 23:14:19)
I'll be performing the West Side Story on Oct 2002 as Maria and I'm researching for it. Can you guys suggest some CDs that I can make a reference to? Thanks a lot.
From: Katelyn (crunksciddiddle@hotmail.com / Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at 02:48:05)
I am only 13 years old and have yet to see many more musicals, but I recently saw the movie and immediately fell in love with the music and the characters. I've been choreographing school plays and my jaw dropped as I watched. Not only was the dancing in the movie beautiful and expressive, but it complimented the well written script and the outstanding musical score. Truly, in my very biased opinion, West Side Story is the best overall musical. As far as I am concerned Leonard Bernstein is a musical genius.
From: marj (marj@brown-choriki.com / Friday, August 16, 2002 at 21:09:04)
As a major admirer of both West Side Story AND Prokofiev's ballet music, Romeo and Juliet, I've listened to both scores many times. I have a theory that Bernstein's score was VERY closely related to Prokofiev's - kind of a modern, jazzy variation, using similar harmonies and dynamics. Does anyone know of anything written about this? Thanks.
From: nat (yorskinmma@hotmail.com / Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 06:09:19)
I thought that the artical was good but what i'd really like is the script! If anybody has it could you e-mail it to me please
From: K (kiki_1_@hotmail.com / Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 22:32:13)
Heylo-would just like to say that this site is extraodinary, thank you very much-i was very priviliged to play the past of Rosalia in a large scale production at my age of 15 and the comments on this site have helped a great deal with my rehearsing of this-thanx very much
From: Josackate (realbigfish2000@hotmail.com / Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 20:07:02)
I think that this site is absolutely splendiferous!
From: Peter (lust0001@stud.uni-sb.de / Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 00:09:08)
Congratulations to such an excellent homepage that contains useful information on WEST SIDE STORY. I just have to disagree on one point: I would not call WEST SIDE STORY a modern version of William Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET. The musical is based on Shakespeare's play, but as Marc Bauch correctly analyses in his recent book it is merely a free adaptation of ROMEO AND JULIET. There is merely a congruence concerning the structure. I appreciated his comment that the two texts talk to each other when he analyses the sentences "What's in a name?" from ROMEO AND JULIET and "All the world is in one name ... Maria" from WEST SIDE STORY. The book I am referring to and recommending to all enthusiasts of the American Musical is: Bauch, Marc. THEMES AND TOPICS OF THE AMERICAN MUSICAL AFTER WORLD WAR II. Marburg, Germany: Tectum Verlag, 2001. I hope that you do not mind my criticism. I will certainly recommend your excellent homepage to my friends and colleagues. Keep on loving WEST SIDE STORY and the American Musical.
From: Tauri and Meghan (bLoWuReMiNd03@yahoo.com / Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 02:28:57)
We are currently rehearsing West Side Story at our high school. We are Maria and Anita respectivly. We would like to say that Anita is not Maria's nurse but Bernardo's girlfriend, and Maria's best friend. Anyway this is the best musical we have ever done(weve even done 42nd street) and its gonna bring the house down!!!! Good luck trying to be a better Maria or Anita because we are THE BEST!!!!!!!!
From: Michelle (chell99uk@yahoo.co.uk / Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 23:38:27)
Just a little msg to say that i love this musical so much!!! i have chosen to study it for my A-level music exam and am thoroughly enjoying it! As a singer I sung all the fantastic songs!!! it rocks!! love shellie xx
From: Brandon JJJJJJJJ (foomixer8@tomgreen.com / Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 01:30:20)
Thi article rules thanks for all the info
From: candelaria (dionisia84@hotmail.com / Friday, July 11, 2003 at 09:30:31)
Hi! I'm fron Argentina, South America! And I really enojoy reading this articule, plus I have done this play in my school, and play the role of Anita! wich I will allways rember! Thank you! and sory for my poor english! Bye!
From: lotjuh en speurrie ( / Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 21:50:59)
this site is fucked up!!!!!!!!!! we zijn van nederland :P :p :P very bored van CKV... dus we gaan maar berichies plaatsen....... lataahhh 2 trieste personen!!
From: lotjuh en speurrie ( / Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 21:52:45)
this site is fucked up!!!!!!!!!! we zijn van nederland :P :p :P very bored van CKV... dus we gaan maar berichies plaatsen....... lataahhh 2 trieste personen!!
From: porky (porky_pig222@hotmail.com / Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 03:58:25)
From: portky (porky_pig@hotmail.com / Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 04:00:38)
this movies was so gay and mi teacher made me watch it it was a wats fof time i wish marie died and lil john the movie was really pointless u r a penis
From: SUCK MY DICK (fuck_you6969 / Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 04:02:31)
go fuck yourselves...you horney pig fuckers
From: Juza (juza_b@hotmail.com / Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 16:14:18)
I think that musicals should fuck off and be replaced by a bunch of hot cheerleader babes who will suck my huge cock. then i will cram my monster dick into their tight pussies and hear them mone with delight as I pump into them and then cover them with my cum! p.s: great site
From: taumsanders (taumsanders / Friday, May 7, 2004 at 09:47:49)
westsdiestoRY
From: Rebecca (catzstewart@hotmail.com / Tuesday, November 16, 2004 at 23:00:47)
I think West Side Story is ace It is the best musical EVER Signed Rebecca
From: Joe Blow The condom salesman (joeblowme@aol.com / Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 22:34:42)
I think this story sucks Huge dicks If i was there i would kick the guy in the balls whoever made this play because it fucking sucks
From: Juliet (diavoletta_21@hotmail.com / Saturday, July 9, 2005 at 09:03:24)
It would be great to have some musical notation and/or discussion of his music. (West Side Story especially!)
From: jaynell (iheartaaronlohr@yahoo.com / Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 03:56:51)
My voice teacher was the understudy for Maria in the Original Cast of this . =]
From: ciara (phonebug127@aol.com / Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 05:38:07)
i like your website it really helped me on my MUCSIC project and i loved the movie westside storyy!
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