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Editorial Reviews
The combined genius of Bernstein and Sondheim made West Side Story one of the quintessential American musical films of all time-and made its soundtrack one of the world's most successful albums, too. The remastered sound here is excellent, but it's the six unreleased tracks that steal the show: the Overture plus Mambo; Pas de Deux ; the Finale , and more!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
273 of 275 people found the following review helpful
By Dan3
Format:Audio CD
Most people are trying to choose between this (the movie soundtrack) and the Original Broadway Cast recording. I am here outlining the principal differences between these two CDs.
1) The movie soundtrack contains the entire Dance at the Gym sequence, some of the best music in West Side Story. PLUS there is an absolutely tremendous trumpet player who takes an extended solo in the Mambo that has to be heard to be believed. It's not in the music, so you won't find it anywhere but here. The Original Broadway Cast recording starts at the second half of the Mambo, and leaves out the Blues number entirely (among others).
[Edit 11/17/2005: I recently learned that trumpet player's name is Uan Rasey. He is the same guy who plays on lots of old movie soundtracks, including An American In Paris and Chinatown.]
2) Jim Bryant (on the movie soundtrack) goes up to this great high note at the end of Something's Coming that Larry Kert does not attempt in the Broadway recording. Again, not in the music, but amazing.
3) The movie version of America, pitting the Sharks against their girlfriends, is far superior.
4) The movie's Prologue has been revised, and now includes the "Cool" theme as well as *most* of the original material. The two themes are interwoven in an interesting way. But you do lose a couple of great moments from the original...
5) There is no ballet sequence in the movie! Very unfortunate.
6) Much of the singing is done more musically in the Broadway Cast recording, by Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence; pay attention to their diction and phrasing, it's no contest.
7) Many of the songs (e.g. Cool) were reorchestrated for the movie, adding things like electric guitar and bass, and they're a little tacky. (If you're familiar with the music from playing it, or just know the original really well, these will drive you crazy.)
The Symphonic Dances (bonus material on the Broadway recording) are of little interest. Bernstein apparently thought some of the most gorgeous themes were too sappy for the symphony audience, so you won't hear "Tonight" or "I Have a Love" in the entire suite. West Side Story without "Tonight" is just not West Side Story.
A note: stay away from ALL RECORDINGS BUT THESE TWO! Nothing else comes close.
West Side Story is as good as music gets. There's no excuse for skimping out here, do yourself a favor and buy two CDs of it.
1) The movie soundtrack contains the entire Dance at the Gym sequence, some of the best music in West Side Story. PLUS there is an absolutely tremendous trumpet player who takes an extended solo in the Mambo that has to be heard to be believed. It's not in the music, so you won't find it anywhere but here. The Original Broadway Cast recording starts at the second half of the Mambo, and leaves out the Blues number entirely (among others).
[Edit 11/17/2005: I recently learned that trumpet player's name is Uan Rasey. He is the same guy who plays on lots of old movie soundtracks, including An American In Paris and Chinatown.]
2) Jim Bryant (on the movie soundtrack) goes up to this great high note at the end of Something's Coming that Larry Kert does not attempt in the Broadway recording. Again, not in the music, but amazing.
3) The movie version of America, pitting the Sharks against their girlfriends, is far superior.
4) The movie's Prologue has been revised, and now includes the "Cool" theme as well as *most* of the original material. The two themes are interwoven in an interesting way. But you do lose a couple of great moments from the original...
5) There is no ballet sequence in the movie! Very unfortunate.
6) Much of the singing is done more musically in the Broadway Cast recording, by Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence; pay attention to their diction and phrasing, it's no contest.
7) Many of the songs (e.g. Cool) were reorchestrated for the movie, adding things like electric guitar and bass, and they're a little tacky. (If you're familiar with the music from playing it, or just know the original really well, these will drive you crazy.)
The Symphonic Dances (bonus material on the Broadway recording) are of little interest. Bernstein apparently thought some of the most gorgeous themes were too sappy for the symphony audience, so you won't hear "Tonight" or "I Have a Love" in the entire suite. West Side Story without "Tonight" is just not West Side Story.
A note: stay away from ALL RECORDINGS BUT THESE TWO! Nothing else comes close.
West Side Story is as good as music gets. There's no excuse for skimping out here, do yourself a favor and buy two CDs of it.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
Having grown up on the original Broadway cast recording, I was skeptical about the movie soundtrack, but its musical direction is impeccable and turning "America" into a boys v. girls number is inspired. The cd's addition of previously unreleased dance music makes the experience more complete. Even Bernstein's own recording with his hand-picked cast (Te Kanawa, Carreras, etc.) can't match the vivacity and excitement of the soundtrack. Bravo to all!
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By marknyc
Format:Audio CD
I bought this assuming it would restore all the material cut for the LP, but was saddened to find it didn't. The same cut in the "Prologue" that was made for the LP appears here - about a minute. So one of Bernstein's nicer themes is never heard on the CD or LP.
There is new material, but a lot of it has dialogue over it! Who wants to listen to dialogue scenes over and over again? Bad decision.
Finally, it's nice to see Marni Nixon and Jim Bryant get their proper credit, but Betty Wand did >not< sing "America" or the "Quintet" - those are both Rita Moreno, who has a great voice but couldn't sing "A Boy Like That" since it was below her range. So let's credit the shadow-singers, but let's not get carried away!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
sound track
Always loved this musical. I remember when they made. It held up the construction of Lincoln Center so the could used the condemned tenements on location.
Published 9 days ago by thomas coulombe
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Movie
This is one of my all time favorite movies and I still know the words so is fun to sing along :-)
George Chakiris was one of my favorite crushes in High School and this movie... Read more
George Chakiris was one of my favorite crushes in High School and this movie... Read more
Published 17 days ago by Carol Bauchop
5.0 out of 5 stars
The music is great.
I have played with a band that used the music in concerts.the lyric tell about life in New York City and a love that
sometimes happy and at others is sad.
sometimes happy and at others is sad.
Published 18 days ago by Frederick G. Crary III
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
I was a boy when this album first came out. I immediately fell in love with it, having seen the movie. I must have played it every day for an entire year. Read more
Published 21 days ago by GM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christmas Gift
I purchased this album for my sister-in-law for Christmas. She loves the music from this time period and had worn out her vinyl copy and was missing her music. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Lisa A. Dellinger
5.0 out of 5 stars
"I feel pretty" ood aout this purchase!
A wonderful musical which arrived in pristine condition. I know my sister will enjoy many hours of entertaining musical performances.
Published 1 month ago by sandra carr
4.0 out of 5 stars
West Side Story
A bit corny, but I always loved this musical. If you grew up in the 60s, it was relevant. Thanks.
Published 2 months ago by Eileen Evenson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sound and Performance
Excellent sound and performance.Hey its Bernstein and that means perfection! (Sound is a 9.45 out of 10.0 and that is great by old standards)
Published 2 months ago by Brock
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome buy
This was a Christmas gift and my daughter just loves it! Shows that the music is good for all generations
Published 2 months ago by Susan Dorando
4.0 out of 5 stars
As Advertised
The product arrived in a timely manner and performed as advertised. I now have it transferred to my MP3 player and it rotates through at least once every three days.
Published 3 months ago by Glen Parker
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