Hmm...This seems fitting...

I'm here to write about West Side Story, the movie version. Few movies (or musicals) have as well known of a musical score as West Side Story does. First, a little background. Originally, written in 1949 and titled "Gangway", then later re-titled "East Side Story", the musical was about a Catholic boy (Tony) and a Jewish girl (Maria), with conflicts set around anti-Semitism. The writers (Arthur Laurents and Jerome Robbins) decided that the story was dated, and the musical was put aside for about 5 years. Then in 1954, after a new wave of Puerto Rican immigrants and reports of gang fights, the title was changed to "West Side Story" and featured a Polish-American (Tony) and Maria's role changed from Jewish girl to a Puerto Rican. Now, on to the music. I believe this is the sole thing that makes WSS such a memorable movie. Without such a great score, it’s basically just another movie about racism. It was written and orchestrated by Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein, being the musical genius that he is, pretty much wrote the entire story with notes. In the very opening scene, the first thing that we hear is an augmented fourth, or a “tri-tone.” Basically what that means is that you take a perfect 4^th and raise the top pitch a half step. The result is a very tense sounding chord, which Bernstein used to represent the tension between the Jets and the Sharks. So you see, before the movie even starts, you get ideas for what’s going to happen just based on the music that you hear while the 2 gangs are dancing.

And of course, Bernstein gave certain characters their own kind of “theme song.” The most recognizable of which is probably “Maria.” Here’s another instance of the augmented 4^th in action. The beginning line of the tune utilizes this same chord, signifying that even though their love for each other is strong, there is still turmoil.

One of my favorites has to be the musical backing that Bernstein wrote for “The Rumble.” Loosely based off of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” this piece uses many jagged rhythms and “ugly” chords to accentuate what’s happening on stage.

Another thing that makes this movie so unique is the orchestration that Bernstein wrote for. The score called for 5 woodwind players (all doubling on multiple instruments mind you), seven brass players, three percussionists, a pianist, a guitarist, and twelve string players!

Overall, the music in this film basically makes the movie. Like it said, without the music, this movie would be nothing. Over the years, there have been many artists that have recorded “tributes” to this great music. Oscar Peterson and his Trio recorded their take on it in 1962, and Bernstein decided to re-record the music in the late 1980’s, and a documentary was made on the recording process.

In closing, Leonard Bernstein is one of the greatest musical minds to ever have lived, and his composing was the greatest contribution to the success of this film.

~PSH