Highlights from "West Side Story"

From Wind Repertory Project
Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein (arr. Ted Ingram)


General Info

Year: 1955 / 1963
Duration: c. 4:45
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: G. Schirmer
Cost: Score and Parts - Out of print.

For availability information, see Discussion tab, above.


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
D-flat Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II-III
E-flat Horn or Alto I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Castanets
  • Claves
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

West Side Story was Bernstein's greatest popular success. Characterized as an America Romeo and Juliet, the work is noted for its "extraordinary dance sequences, melodic characterization, musical continuity, cohesive plot construction, and excellent orchestration." With a romantic setting against a background of social and racial and ethnic strife, Bernstein's music reflects the countless emotions which permeate Stephen Sondheim's lyrics. From a basic mood of studied nonchalance and defiance by the juvenile set, the music at times becomes devout and tender or, in contrasting sections, dynamic in intensity.

-Program Note from Program Notes for Band


Media

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State Ratings

  • West Virginia: III


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Oak Ridge (Tenn.) Community Band/Wind Ensemble (Dale Pendley, conductor) - 15 April 2018
  • Lone Star Symphonic Band (Katy, Texas) (Bob Bryant, conductor) – 28 February 2016
  • Milpitas (Calif.) Community Concert Band (Jeff Yaeger, conductor) – 2 June 2017
  • Rockford (Ill.) Christian Fellowship Band (George Strombeck, conductor) - 22 March 2015
  • Christian Fellowship Band (Rockford, Ill.) (Richard Hammond, conductor) - 28 September 2014
  • Okawville (Ill.) High School Band - 2012
  • San Luis Obispo (Calif.) Wind Orchestra (William V. Johnson, conductor) - 27 January 2007


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music

  • Cool (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Murtha) (1957/2018)
  • West Side Story (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Sweeney) (1957/2015)


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Bernstein, L.; Sondheim, S.; Ingram, T. (1963). Highlights from West Side Story [score]. G. Schirmer: New York.
  • Smith, Norman E. (2002). ‘’Program Notes for Band.’’ Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 63.