Customer Reviews

West Side Story (Vocal Score)

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If you're looking for a faithful translation from the full score, this is the one. This score is based on Bernstein latest revision as reflected in the Carreras Te Kanawa recording (1985).

But be warned, this score is only for upper-intermediate/advanced pianist, classically trained. It's not a fakebook, it's not a simplified/reduced piano score for casual use. The arrangement gives two alternatives for playing some part of the song, and you can choose to play it the hard way or the easier way (which is still rather difficult). The hard way is of course the most faithful to the orchestral score.

For example, the dance part in "America" can be played by using single notes of the left hands rather than using full chord, which is great if you're trying to cope with the tempo. The arrangement for the slow pieces such as "one hand one heart", "maria", "tonight", and "somewhere" is really beautiful.

Tip: Listen to the "west side story" conducted by Bernstein himself to get a grasp of the tempo, dynamics and phrasing.

The book is medium-it isn't an easy book you only play once and then you're bored, but it isn't very difficult. Some of the arrangements are needlessly crazy, but some are well done. A piano player of about 3-5 years is about the right level.

If you want to play/arrange/orchestrate or simply see the genius of Berstein, this is the way to go. As an arranger, I needed reference to orchestrate a West Side Story Medley for a show, and I'm not talking your regular "standard" tunes. This vocal score is also a piano reduction of the orchestrations and was aboslutely what I needed. You can see nearly every instrument line, counter melody, even instrument indications. This was the best $50.00 I may have every spent. Saved me hours and hours of trying to "lift" off the lines. They were all there, even for the dance sections from Cool & The Rumble, which is what I really needed. Don't hestitate if you're looking for the real Berstein stuff!

The piano and vocals are clearly printed which makes for a good quality score. Chords for each harmony are printed in the vocal sections but not in the introductary measures. Difficulty of music depends on the particular song for example, "Somewhere" and "One Hand, One Heart" are easier. I've enjoyed playing this music and would recommend it.

I was disappointed when I received this book in the mail. It was simply wrapped in one of those cardboard mailers. The cardboard mailer did not protect the book when it was dropped somewhere along the way. One corner is rumpled and this is a Christmas gift. I didn't send it back because I figured another one would be sent the same way. I am trying to flatten it out to lessen the wrinkles. Good book if it arrives safely.

I ordered a different book that was sent strapped to a piece of cardboard inside a separate box and it arrived perfectly.

My original intention was to buy this and use it to write a small-scale orchestration for the orchestra to use at the high school where I teach. That opportunity hasn't presented itself yet, but I'm still glad I bought this, because there are so many excellent ideas to take in that anyone could spend a long time reading and studying this vocal score. It is beautifully printed, well put together, and very thorough in terms of the intrumental cues. For those who care about the how and why of the music is 'West Side Story' this book is essential.

The music from West Side Story is captivating, and I love being able to relive it again and again. Hearing the music from the show takes you back to the story of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.