West Side Story

An all-time classic, still technically outstanding after more than 40 years, and a reference point in the history of recording technique.


ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS OF ALL TIME...   November 10, 2002
Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle)
28 out of 29 found this review helpful

Bernstein wrote himself into the annals of musical history with the score that he composed for West Side Story, a nineteen fifties version of Romeo and Juliet, and Stephen Sondheim did it justice with the terrific lyrics he wrote, which made the music soar even higher. This a musical that has entered the popular consciousness with good reason. Who hasn't heard the beauty and poetry of "Maria", the expectant poignancy of "Tonight", or the eternally hopeful "Somewhere" and not been touched, especially when sung, as they are here, by Jim Bryant and Marnie Nixon? There is also the upbeat "America" and "I Feel Pretty", which are ensemble songs geared to showcase Jerome Robbins' choreography to perfection. This is a magnificent CD that should be a part of any collection, as it contains music which would make angels weep.


Plenty of energy, but sadly lacking in precision.   October 21, 2002
MR O P ELTON (Oxford, Oxfordshire United Kingdom)
42 out of 49 found this review helpful

This soundtrack recording taken from the oscar winning film contains all the excitement, energy and flair that you would expect from a recording of a Bernstein score. However, it also contains some noticeably poor performances from those involved in it's production. Some members of the Jets and Sharks were clearly chosen for their ability to dance rather than for their polished singing. At the beginning of the 'Quintet', for example, the Sharks are hideously out of tune and not necessarily singing the correct words. Also, there is some shoddy playing from the woodwind in the 'Prologue'. Having said that, the percussion are very good, and the trumpets, absolutely outstanding with some gravity defying acrobatics in the 'Dance at the Gym'. Natalie Wood does, of course, shine as Maria and is competently supported throughout by Tony. It is worth buying this recording just for its moment in cinema history and the sheer enthusiasm of the artists involved. But, if you're looking for a tight and precise account of Bernstein's incredible score, then I would suggest a more recent recording would be for you.