West Side Story - Vocal Score

By Leonard Bernstein

This is a serious orchestral reduction which is faithful to the original score, and very detailed too. It's not the simplified version, and hence not really recommended if you're buying this score for light leisure playing. Upper intermediate / advanced level of skill. Luckily the arranger gives two alternatives...

in playing some part of the song, and you can choose to play it the hard way or the easier way (which is still difficult). The hard way is of course the most faithful to the orchestral score. For example, the dance part in "America" can be played by using single notes of the left hands rather than using full chord, which is great if you're trying to cope with the tempo. The arrangement for the slow pieces such as "one hand one heart", "maria", "tonight", and "somewhere" is really beautiful.

Leonard Bernstein is the most brilliant genius composer of the 20th century. Listening to West Side Story is a joy but being able to play the music for yourself is just...wow. I love West Side Story. One tip: Listen to the songs first before you attempt to play them...

. It will be much easier, and you'll have a better sense of rythm. Some parts of this score can be confusing but overall it's just great. Beautiful, beautiful music.

West Side Story has been a classic favorite which has been further immortalized by this vocal score which includes everything from overtures, to prologues, and cues. The musical designed by Sondheim makes a pianist eager to play it on the piano. Each note played into a cord brings out the...

classical pop and jazz style in this piece. Not to worry about difficult chords. The arranger fixed it so it could easily be played by two hands without any awkward fingering techniques and still bring out the much wanted harmony similar to an orchestra being played.

In my opinion, West Side Story is unrivaled for the glory of being the greatest of American musicals. There are many elements that come together to create a truly entertaining experience, and they all collide within the staves of Bernstein's miraculous score. I can't think of a more...

perfect example of diving musical coloring than songs such as "Maria" or "Somewhere"; and there's no more enjoyable dance music than that to "America," "Cool," and the brilliant "Dance at the Gym." And not only is this book Bernstein's, but it also belongs to Stephen Sondheim--future Titan of the musical theater industry--illustrating magnificently what makes him a legend. His words are a perfect wife to Bernstein's musical groom, and together they form a intriguing, inspiring, and above all entertaining musical marvel! To me, this is THE score for future composers to study and to enjoy. (It's also a certified monster for piano players with only two hands!)