musical by Bernstein and Sondheim and Robbins. For the groundbreaking musical, Bernstein provided a propulsive and … He composed the score for the musical West Side Story. Anita tells Maria that Chino is looking for Tony and plans to kill him. Updates? Riff is sure Tony is still one of them, singing ''Jet Song.''. Songfacts®: Written by Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics), the idea for "Maria," which was published in 1956 and appeared on Sony's soundtrack for West Side Story in 1961, began several years earlier. Composer, conductor, pianist, teacher, thinker, and adventurous spirit, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) transformed the way Americans and people everywhere hear and appreciate music. New York City. Orchestration. The territory battle, which is fought through highly stylized dance moves, is interrupted by Officer Krupke and Lieutenant Schrank. and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. All right, let's take a moment to review what we've learned. You can pretty much find anything here. Leonard Bernstein was an American composer and conductor who lived from 1918 to 1990 and who wrote in many styles and forms, including musicals, operas, ballets, symphonic, and orchestral works. Many people believe West Side Story is the pinnacle of musical theatre achievement, thanks to the way it blurred the lines between musical and opera.Coupled with Bernstein’s miraculous tunes, here's how the genius composer managed to bridge the gap between musical theatre and opera: “You just know” - Leonard Bernstein. West Side Story, theatre music by American composer Leonard Bernstein that premiered August 19, 1957, in Washington, D.C., before moving to Broadway for a second opening on September 26, 1957. Bernstein is considered to be one of the most influential American composers, changing the face of American symphonic works. For each individual, Bernstein crafted music that mirrors those visions, whether romantic or sultry or combative. His best-known work is the Broadway musical West Side Story, which continues to be regularly performed worldwide, and was made into an Academy Award-winning feature film. The Jets set off searching for Tony. Furious, Anita lies and tells them that Maria has been shot by Chino and is dead. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons In looking at the story, we will also examine the songs and characters and learn a bit about Leonard Bernstein's life and work. Her confidence soars because she is "loved by a pretty wonderful boy," but her co-workers at the bridal shop … He proposed that the plot focus on the conflict between an Irish Catholic family and a Jewish family living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, during the Easter–Passover season. Few composers capture their time and become the iconic voice of their age. It takes the same theme as Shakespeare's, Romeo and Juliet, in that it is about two lovers whose relationship is not accepted by others because of conflicting backgrounds. Bernardo and Riff agree to meet up at Doc's drugstore later on. Leonard Bernstein. I feel prepared to pass all of my classes. West Side Story was a Broadway musical that was a collaboration among composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and choreographer Jerome Robbins that was turned into an award-winning musical film. A violin solo as someone takes their final breath. West Side Story is a film that exists in its own unique emotional reality, an adaptation of a Broadway show that makes no effort to tone down the original’s necessary, boastful affectations. The Jets are all at the drugstore and they assault Anita, making it clear she's about to be raped, until Doc shows up and intervenes. The next day, Maria and Tony make pretend wedding vows to each other in ''One Hand, One Heart.'' Leonard Bernstein backstage with the cast of West Side Story, 1957. A suggestion of city streets and alleyways: a brick wall. Sociology 110: Cultural Studies & Diversity in the U.S. CPA Subtest IV - Regulation (REG): Study Guide & Practice, Positive Learning Environments in Physical Education, Curriculum Development for Physical Education, Types of Hybrid Learning Models During Covid-19, Creating Routines & Schedules for Your Child's Pandemic Learning Experience, How to Make the Hybrid Learning Model Effective for Your Child, Distance Learning Considerations for English Language Learner (ELL) Students, Roles & Responsibilities of Teachers in Distance Learning, Brackish Water: Definition, Salinity & Density, Abuse Perpetrator: Definition & Characteristics, Graphing Population Growth of R-Selected & K-Selected Species, Learning Environments: Types & Characteristics. But Maria tells her best friend Anita that she isn't actually in love with Chino. The story is based on Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, featuring ''star-crossed,'' or ill-fated, lovers from opposite sides of the tracks. The Street. At the beginning of Act 2, Maria, who has no idea what is going on with the rumble, sings ''I Feel Pretty.'' Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Create an account to start this course today. Bernstein's successes as a composer ranged from the Broadway stage-West Side Story, On the Town, Wonderful Town, and Candide-to concert halls all over the world, where his orchestral and choral music continues … Once a semester I use Study.com to prepare for all my finals. Its mixture of Latin American rhythms, big band jazz harmonies and instrumentation, contrapuntal writing, and colloquial language is handled with such skill and sensitivity that the result makes it seem as though these elements had always coexisted. Select a subject to preview related courses: A devastated Tony sets off looking for Chino. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? As sirens approach, the gangs scatter, but Tony stands in shock as he sees his best friend dead, and realizes he has killed Maria's brother. West Side Story, American musical film, released in 1961, that was inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. On September 26, 1957, West Side Story, composed by Leonard Bernstein, opens at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. It is widely known that West Side Story (WSS) is based directly on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (R&J). Members of the Sharks street gang dancing the choreography of Jerome Robbins to the music of Leonard Bernstein in. Visit the Music 101: Help and Review page to learn more. need to accomplish your personalized educational goals. West Side Story is one of Bernstein's most impressive achievements in any style of composition. Did you know… We have over 220 college Traumatized, Maria waves the gun around and even points it at herself, claiming that they all killed Tony because of their hatred for each other. to succeed. It is a duet sung by lovers Tony and Maria, and features one of Bernstein 's best-known and -loved melodies. Leonard Bernstein was an American composer and conductor who lived from 1918 to 1990. The rumble is set for later that evening, and the song ''Tonight'' is reprised in a quintet, with Maria, Tony, Anita, the Sharks, and the Jets singing about the upcoming rumble. West Side Story Mega Pack of Activities West Side Story has long been a favorite of music lovers everywhere. Meanwhile, Tony finds Maria's apartment building and serenades her with ''Maria,'' which brings her out to the fire escape, a reference to the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. The story is loosely based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, telling the tale of star-crossed lovers from rival factions. (Actually, we hear that from the same guy who gave us West Side Story).Here, it's a nice modern stand-in for Shakespeare's Verona, right down to the heat rising from the streets and the nice young men trying to kill each other. These subtleties are a vital part of the tone evoked by many beloved films and television shows, with composers being the masterminds behind them. Study.com’s lessons, The girl has survived the Holocaust and emigrated from Israel; the conflict was to be centered around anti-Semitismof the Catholic "Jets" towards the Jewish "Emeralds" (a name that m… , you're guaranteed to find what you need. In the end, Tony is killed and Maria gives an impassioned speech about how both gangs are at fault for his death, thereby ending the battle. Of all Bernstein's compositions, West Side Story is easily the most well-known and enduring. courses that prepare you to earn After battling emphysema, he died at the age of 72. With over 29,000 video lessons and study tools, you're guaranteed to find what you need How Did the Philippine Archipelago Break out from Pangaea? West Side Story, theatre music by American composer Leonard Bernstein that premiered August 19, 1957, in Washington, D.C., before moving to Broadway for a second opening on September 26, 1957. Bernstein as Composer. West Side Story. Bernstein’s score blended various styles, including jazzy sounds evocative of the decade in which the music was written, as well as Latin rhythms. They sing ''Tonight,'' a song about the excitement of falling in love. The 1957 musical West Side Story was a collaboration among composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and choreographer Jerome Robbins. Chino comes to tell Maria that Tony has killed Bernardo. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Those familiar with Leonard Bernstein 's West Side Story are generally aware that it is an updating of Shakespeare 's tragic love story Romeo and Juliet. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. "West Side Story" is a musical adapted from Shakespeare's play and was first performed in 1957. She serves on the music faculty of Metropolitan State University of Denver and gives pre-performance talks for Opera Colorado and the Colorado Symphony... Leonard Bernstein at the MacDowell Colony in Peterborough, New Hampshire. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. The intricacies of the West Side Story score could be discussed at great length, but for the purposes of this discussion, I would like to address two particular musical ideas – the tritone and the “Somewhere” motive. https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/the-top-5-works-of-leonard-bernstein Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Study.com has thousands of articles about every just create an account. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? This product gives you a wide variety of worksheets, writing prompts and a The musical is a 20th-century American adaptation of the Shakespearean tale of Romeo and Juliet… Omissions? Get access risk-free for 30 days, Written by composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, this upbeat number from West Side Story finds Maria giddy over her romance with Tony. I. I feel pretty. The Jets want to continue the fight, and plan to propose a rumble to the Sharks, led by Bernardo, that night at the school dance. The feuding families become two warring New York City gangs--the white Jets led by Riff and the Latino Sharks, led by Bernardo. West Side Story came out in 1961 as a melodramatic musical that took place in New York. It has become one of the most frequently performed of all American musicals, and many consider it to be the definitive Bernstein composition. Quiz & Worksheet - What is the Fairness Doctrine? Composed by. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Anita arrives at Maria's apartment, realizing that Bernardo, her boyfriend, has been killed. When Lt. Schrank shows up to question Maria about Bernardo's death, Maria asks Anita to go to the drugstore to wait for Tony. They decide to run away together in the song and dance number, ''Somewhere.''. 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 alto saxes, tenor sax, baritone sax, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, harp, strings. Library of Congress, Music Division. Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Corrections? He began to find fame as a composer in the 1940s, but his real breakthrough onto the national stage came when he was named director of the New York Philharmonic in 1958. SPOILER ALERT: MARIA HAD A DELETED DEATH SCENE. In 1961, adapted for the silver screen, West Side Story took 10 Academy Awards, including best picture. She tries to warn Maria about Tony, singing ''A Boy Like That,'' but Maria won't listen and tries to explain with ''I Have a Love.'' It ran for 732 performances, and it might have won the 1958 Tony Award for best musical had its competition not been The Music Man. West Side Story is one of the world's most famous musicals. Bernstein was born and raised outside Boston, Massachusetts. 1918-1990. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. After I review The opening is musical: half-danced, half-mimed, with occasional phrases of dialogue. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Their hatred escalates to a point … It's packed with great tunes and catchy rhythms, but there's an interval with a dark history at its heart. You can test out of the Conceived in 1949, West Side Story has a serious message that pleads for racial tolerance, delivered in unforgettable song and dance. - Definition, Artists & History, What is Gospel Music? : Synopsis, Characters & Monologues, Irving Berlin: Biography, Songs & Musicals, Jefferson Airplane: History, Members & Songs, Jerry Herman: Biography, Songs & Musicals, Julie Andrews: Biography, Movies, Books & Awards, Leonard Bernstein: Biography, Compositions & Musicals, My Fair Lady: Summary, Characters & Setting, New Orleans Jazz: History, Music & Musicians, Rhythm & Blues: Definition, History, Artists & Songs, Rodgers & Hammerstein: Biography & Musicals, Stephen Sondheim: Biography, Songs & Musicals, The Rolling Stones: Biography, Members & Songs, The Sound of Music: Summary, History & Characters, The Temptations: Biography, Albums & Songs, What Is Folk Music? All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. An error occurred trying to load this video. "Tonight" is a song from the 1957 musical West Side Story with music written by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. At the dance, Maria and Tony spot each other from across the room and immediately fall in love. The 1957 musical West Side Story was a collaboration among composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and choreographer Jerome Robbins. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} West Side Story Script - Broadway musical ACT I SCENE ONE 5:00 P.M. They use it every day. 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We hear it's a helluva town. When he finds him, he tells Chino to shoot him, and at that moment, Maria appears. Take advantage of our Presidents' Day bonus! Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins and his musical, "West Side Story" at the Paramount Theatre in Chicago, Illinois was awarded the 2016 Joseph Jefferson (Equity) Award for Large Musical Production. Leonard Bernstein 's West Side Story is based on and built around music's most unsettling interval, the … It was published in 1956 Additionally, he drew upon some of the time-honoured techniques of opera composition. In 1947, Jerome Robbins approached Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents about collaborating on a contemporary musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Services. SAN JUAN, P.R. The curtain rises on the streets of the Upper West Side of New York City with a fight between rival gangs the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, and the Jets, an American gang. all of The theme of two lovers thwarted by circumstances beyond their control, however, had long before been established in West… Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal Bernstein was also known for his commitment to young musicians through classes and the formation of a training orchestra, and to humanitarian causes, such as through goodwill concerts. Together, these two musical motives form the backbone of the score. Riff, the leader of the Jets, wants his friend Tony to commit to the fight, but the rest of the gang questions Tony's loyalty. In this lesson, we will explore ''West Side Story'', a musical written by composer Leonard Bernstein. Twenty-five years ago, a summer stock theatre in central Pennsylvania hired me to choreograph a production of West Side Story, then promptly fired me when it became clear that I intended to create my own choreography rather than replicate the dance ideas director/choreographer Jerome Robbins conceptualized for the musical’s original 1957 Broadway production and 1961 film. "Tonight" is one of the most popular songs from this 1957 Broadway musical smash hit. When you create an account with Study.com, you get access to any resource you Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this musical is a staple in middle schools and high schools in America. The Jets are making fun of the cops in ''Gee, Officer Krupke'' when the tomboy Anybody's arrives and tells the Jets that Chino has a gun and plans to kill Tony. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree, Action Painting: Definition & Characteristics. Tony, in a fit of rage, kills Bernardo. Maria can't believe it, and when Tony climbs in her window, she is upset, but still loves him. Tony, an American, falls in love with the Puerto Rican immigrant Maria, and their love unfolds amid the gang violence between the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | West Side Story is the award-winning adaptation of the classic romantic tragedy "Romeo and Juliet". credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. His works include three symphonies, Chichester Psalms, … When Tony leaves Maria's apartment, they make plans to meet at Doc's drugstore and run away together. He found his way to New York by way of Harvard and the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood in western Massachusetts. - Definition, History & Artists, What Is Reggae? Select who you are below, and we'll recommend a plan for you. Alisha is a college music educator specializing in historic and world music studies. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. When considering the operatic elements of West Side Story, one must recognise Bernstein’s intent for it to be received as a musical. Leonard Bernstein found his "voice" in the early 1940s and projected the sound of urban and urbane America from the period of World War II to the anti-war movements of the 1970s and the restoration of freedom in Europe, with the fall of the Berlin Wall and Soviet communism. 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Cohan: Biography, Music & Songs, Hair the Musical: Synopsis, Songs & Characters, Hard Rock Music: History, Artists & Bands, Hello, Dolly! When the fighting begins, Tony tries to stop it, but knives are pulled out and Bernardo accidentally kills Riff. Anyone can earn Setting of Life of Pi: Summary & Description, Avant Garde Music: Definition, Style & Artists, Electronic Music: History, Types & Artists, Latin Music: Rhythm, Dance, Instruments & Characteristics, What Is Impressionism in Music? Create your account. Once a semester I use Study.com to prepare for all my finals. - Definition, History & Artists, What Is Rap Music? - Definition, Artists & Instruments, What Is Rumba? Bernstein was a major supporter of American composers, and he traveled the world programming primarily American music to sold-out theaters. Shakespeare may have killed off both title … 's' : ''}}. In the next scene, a Puerto Rican girl named Maria is working in a bridal shop, making a dress to go to the school dance with her boyfriend, Chino. The Broadway production had nearly a thousand performances from 1957 to 1960, and was turned into a ten-time Academy Award-winning musical film in 1961. New York, New York. It is primarily a condensation of the … https://www.britannica.com/topic/West-Side-Story. They start to dance, but Maria's brother Bernardo breaks them up and sends Maria home. - Definition, History & Artists, What Is the Tango? The musical is a 20th-century American adaptation of the Shakespearean tale of Romeo and Juliet. For the creation of this musical, Bernstein was joined by lyricist Stephen Sondheim, playwright Arthur Laurents, choreographer Jerome Robbins, and impresario Harold Prince. And he … The show ends with both gangs surrounding Tony and carrying his body offstage, showing that the battle is over. The gentle ‘tings’ of a triangle as two characters fall in love. As Chino shoots Tony, Maria catches him as falls to his death. His awards and accolades include honorary degrees, keys to international cities, and lifetime achievement awards in the arts. For example, in the song “Tonight,” he has several characters reflect on their hopes and expectations for the night to come. — For many years I’ve avoided writing about “West Side Story.” As a Puerto Rican critic, I resent the expectation that I have something to say about a musty old musical … Mr. Sondheim has received the Tony Award for Best Score/Music/Lyrics for Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods, and Passion, all of which won the New York Drama Circle Award for Outstanding/Best Musical, as did Pacific Overtures and Sunday In The Park With George. Dec. 28, 2010— -- Stephen Sondheim finds the music from "West Side Story," one of the most revered musicals of all time, downright "embarrassing." People have been listening to that message, and humming the songs, ever since the show premiered on Broadway in 1957 and debuted on the silver … Far less well known is the fact that Shakespeare based his play (1594) on other material, particularly a narrative poem by Arthur Brooke entitled The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet (1562). - Definition, Origin & History, Woodstock: History, Facts, Performers & Bands, Jesus Christ Superstar: Summary & Characters, Biological and Biomedical Exploring the similarities and differences is … first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. notes by Katherine Baber. imaginable degree, area of
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