Suite from "West Side Story"

From Wind Repertory Project
Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein (arr. Davis)


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General Info

Year: 2012
Duration: c.
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Manuscript


Instrumentation

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Errata

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Program Notes

Suite from ‘West Side Story’ is an arrangement for solo alto saxophone of Bernstein’s most popular work. Characterized as an American Romeo and Juliet, it is noted for its extraordinary dance sequences, melodic characterizations, musical continuity, cohesive plot construction, and excellent orchestration. This arrangement was written at the request of Dale Underwood and Colonel Arnald Gabriel and the United States Air Force Band. Michael Davis shares the following about this new arrangement:

"To say that I was both humbled and honored when Colonel Gabriel and Dale Underwood asked me to create a new West Side Story medley for them would be quite an understatement. After all, we’re talking about one of the world’s most respected conductors teaming up with one of the world’s preeminent saxophone soloists. Fortunately, though, I had the brilliance of Leonard Bernstein on my side. Working from his original Broadway score, I decided early on to preserve as much of the orchestration and “feel” of the music as possible. I added a few new twists here and there, but I’m happy to report that this new work is less about me and more about the soloist, the conductor, the band, and -- most of all — this wonderful music."

-Program note by Rich Paluch for the Wheaton Municipal Band concert program, 22 December 2012


Media


State Ratings

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Performances

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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

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