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Editorial Reviews
To mark the 50th Anniversary of WEST SIDE STORY, some of the biggest classical crossover stars have gathered to record a brand new version. One of the most lauded musicals ever written, WEST SIDE STORY, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is a timeless classic. The famous 1984 recording included Kiri Te Kanawa - here the part of Maria is passed to fellow New Zealander, Hayley Westenra, paired up with Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo as Tony. With a bright young cast and legendary standards, this recording is set to become the choice for WEST SIDE STORY lovers. Release coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the Broadway opening of WEST SIDE STORY - September 26, 1957. This is the first major recording of the work since the 1984 version, which featured Leonard Bernstein conducting. The recordings of Hayley Westenra and Vittorio Grigolo have exceeded 2.5 million copies worldwide. Recording includes new essay by Leonard Bernstein's daughter, Jamie.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By West Sider
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
West Side Story is one of my favorite Broadway musical scores, and I was looking forward to listening to this recording. What a disappointment! The Prologue starts off wrong by omitting the signature whistle signal of the Jets that is so captivating. The Jet Song is horrid, with an insertion by the Jets gang that sounds like chorus boys from The Producers doing a gig in Las Vegas. The two principals have fine voices, but the casting is totally mixed up. Hayley Westenra as Maria has a lovely American accent, while Vittorio Grigolo as Tony has an operatic Italian accent. So in listening to the recording, you basically have to pretend that Maria (or should I say Mary) is the native-born, and Tony (short for Anton, or should I say Antonio) is the immigrant. Thankfully Anita and the Sharks gang carry themselves well enough. If you want to enjoy a recording of West Side Story, I guess you need to stick to the original cast. Listening to this makes me want to move to the East Side!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I believe that WEST SIDE STORY is the greatest American musical. Period.I have been listneing to it all my life, I have performed these songs many times, I have been in a production of it that lasted 2 years of my life. I know every version there is of it on disc. I have to say, I love them all, and what always amazes me, is how fresh and up to date the music sounds in each of those versions. It doesn't matter how often you hear this music, it always moves ones heart and delights the intellect as well.
This new recording is a bit odd, in that it comes at you in random order. NOT in the order of the show. If you have performed the show, that just messes with your mind. The orchestra is wonderful though, and the recording is high quality, so you can get over that. Some of the tempos are very slow, and obviously meant for a listening audience that would not be watching dance moves on stage. People just can't DANCE that slow, guys.
TONY TONY...is WONDERFUL. Maria is a bit weak, Anita is strong but is a bit over classical for that role in my taste. If you love this show. If this show is special to you, get this album and pick your favorite parts. If you are a beginner with this piece and would like a nice recording of it,,,I would suggest the original broadway recording of 50 years ago. If you can get through it without getting goose bumps...well, I can't help you there.
This new recording is a bit odd, in that it comes at you in random order. NOT in the order of the show. If you have performed the show, that just messes with your mind. The orchestra is wonderful though, and the recording is high quality, so you can get over that. Some of the tempos are very slow, and obviously meant for a listening audience that would not be watching dance moves on stage. People just can't DANCE that slow, guys.
TONY TONY...is WONDERFUL. Maria is a bit weak, Anita is strong but is a bit over classical for that role in my taste. If you love this show. If this show is special to you, get this album and pick your favorite parts. If you are a beginner with this piece and would like a nice recording of it,,,I would suggest the original broadway recording of 50 years ago. If you can get through it without getting goose bumps...well, I can't help you there.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
What a disappointment! I recently purchased this much-vaunted anniversary album and I'm sorry to say it will go into my archive after one play, never to see the light of day again. Talk about a dead performance - from everyone concerned. There is no life in the orchestra : sure, they are note-perfect, but you can practically hear them counting their beats. Not what is needed for one of Braodway's greatest shows. Hayley Westenra as Maria has a nice voice and is well able for the range, but without any show experience delivers a bland, uninteresting performance. Vittorio Grigolo as Tony should not have crossed over from opera. His accent would be more suited to one of the Sharks! Melanie Marshall as Anita is the recording's only saving grace - but not enough to save the show!!
Caveat emptor...........
Caveat emptor...........
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
So Tony is a member of the Sharks???
As long as I live, I will NEVER understand why producers repeatedly cast latino-sounding singers to play Tony in "West Side Story. Read more
Published on April 21, 2011 by Ron Hardcastle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good experience!
I purchased 2 CD's - West Side Story and Vittorio - I have discovered the wonderful tenor Vittorio Grigolo. Read more
Published on September 12, 2010 by Michelle Perris
1.0 out of 5 stars
One long, sorry mistake
If you have to have it, at least buy one of the three dollar used copies and save yourself some money. I gave it one star because you're required to. Read more
Published on February 21, 2010 by Uncle Sal
1.0 out of 5 stars
Baffling!!
WSS is as American as apple pie, in it's own way, so why, why, why use European opera singers for, what should be a landmark recording? Read more
Published on September 8, 2009 by Tom George
2.0 out of 5 stars
A Mixed Bag
I am on a West Side Story kick as I just saw the 2009 Broadway revival currently playing at The Palace Theatre in New York. Read more
Published on April 10, 2009 by James S. Gutierrez
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good sound quality
Great sound quality but If you are stuck on the original sound from the movie or broadway, this isn't totally the same.
Published on April 8, 2008 by DonnaW
4.0 out of 5 stars
Echoes of a great show.
The energy, sound recording and ensemble makes this wonderful recording a must for West Side Story lovers. Read more
Published on April 5, 2008 by J. D. Darcy
5.0 out of 5 stars
New dimensions for a timeless score
As a Hayley Westenra fan, I didn't exactly come into this unbiased. She is indeed in top form, and for one trying this kind of performance for the first time, genuinely amazing. Read more
Published on January 3, 2008 by David F. Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hayley and Vittorio...a match made in heaven!
I do like the original, but musically speaking, this recording is far superior. To start with, the two young leads have amazing voices. Read more
Published on December 18, 2007 by Jennie Johanson
3.0 out of 5 stars
Was Tony from Italy??
I was really looking forward to this cd, but once I heard Vittorio sing Tony's part it kind of seemed cheap. Read more
Published on November 26, 2007 by Michael A. Pignataro
