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Explore the history of Leonard Bernstein's iconic musical "West Side Story" and its tragic love story between Maria and Tony. Learn about Bernstein's life, the challenges faced during the production, and the impact of the show. Listen to key songs such as "America," "Maria," and "Somewhere" and discover the timeless legacy of this beloved musical.
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West Side StoryComposed by Leonard Bernstein Presentation by Julie Horton
Contents • Leonard Bernstein’s Biography • The History of West Side Story • Listening Guide: • “America” • “Maria” • “Somewhere”
Leonard Bernstein Leonard Bernstein wanted people to “remember me not because of the West Side Story , which is a good piece, I wanted people to remember me as a serious composer who wrote Kaddish, Jeremiah, The Age of Anxiety.“
The Young Bernstein Born August 25, 1918 in New York City. His father wanted him to join the family business. Leonard battled his father to study music and won. Married and had 3 children
Mentoring Bernstein Bernstein had mentors who helped him with his craft. Aaron Copland helped him with compositions Serge Koussevitsky mentored him in conducting at Tangelwood, MA. • Young Leonard Bernstein • and Aaron Copeland. • Leonard Bernstein • & Serge Koussevitsky
“West Side Story” History Is an original production written in 1957 by playwright Arthur Laurents. Lyrics by Stephen Sondeim. Tragic loved story based on Romeo and Juliette Set in the 1950’s in New York City, it is a conflict about race Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Hal Prince, Robert Griffith (seated), Leonard Bernstein, and Jerome Robbins on the set of West Side Story.
Challenges “The challenge was to create a show that treads the fine line between opera and Broadway, ballet and just dancing, realism and poetry” – Arthur Laurents, Playwright
Maria & Tony In Love Set in the 1950’s in New York City, this tragic love story is about Maria and Tony. They are caught between the rivalries of the Puerto Rican gang called the Sharks and the self-proclaimed native white gang called the Jets.
Gang Rivalry in West Side Story Two gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, battle for supremacy over the streets. The Sharks – seen above- are a Puerto Rican gang. Maria’s brother is the head of the gang and he does not like his sister dating Tony, a member of the Jets gang.
The Jets The Jets have ownership of the streets until the Sharks challenge them.
Outside forces threaten Maria and Tony’s love. Bernardo and his sister Maria. He demands she no longer see Tony.
Unable to stop fighting, the rivalry between the Jets and Sharks ends in tragedy.
From Stage to Movie West Side Story began as a stage performance and in 1961 it was made into a movie. Nominated for eleven Academy Awards including Best Music.
The Movie The movie starred Natalie Wood as Maria.
“America” “America“ is sung on a building rooftop in New York City by the Sharks and their girl friends.
“America” “America” is written in a mixed meter. As one vocalist sings about Puerto Rico another sings about the US, alternating back and forth.
“Maria” The song “Maria” is an excellent example of word painting. It is a technique of lengthening the music.
“Somewhere” “Somewhere” is a poignant song about hope.
Memorable West Side Story has become a timeless piece performed year after year in theatres and schools across America.
Bibliography • Bergan, Ronald. Glamorous Musicals: Fifty Years of Hollywood’s Ultimate. London: Octupus Books Limited, 1984. Print. • Legends of Broadway: Portraits of Creativity on Leonard Bernstein: Reaching for the Note, Disc 1. Production by American Masters. 2004. DVD. • Matheopoulos, Helena. Maestro: Encounters with Conductors of Today. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1982. Print. • Sennett, Ted. Hollywood Musicals. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, 1981. Print. • West Side Story. Prod. Seven Arts Productions Inc. Metro Goldwyn Mayer, 1961. DVD.
