Leonard Bernstein West Side Story studio-takes (2a)

Initially I found, that eight videos was adequate to represent the recording of the WSS-musical, but this is the second of six videos, that have been requested to complete the whole session. Total playing time will now be: 1 hr 10 min. All these extra videos have a suffix of one or two letters to their number.
Carl Vendler

[@erpollock]

As I sing along with the tenor/sopranos, I imagine what a thrill it must be to really be conducted in your performance by the composer, and that composer is Leonard Bernstein. Like no one else. Such excitement must add enormously to your performance. It does to mine!

[@daryljay7057]

Bernstein gave me a PRICELESS GIFT! I grew up on his 'Young People's Concerts' Thank You, Maestro!

[@harmoniabalanza]

YES! I was a child in that era too --we were so lucky and privileged. I wish everyone could have had the educational opportunities we did. The world knew then how important that was.

[@daryljay7057]

@@harmoniabalanza Yes Sir! Two shows I never missed. Bernstein's Young People's Concerts & Bishop Sheen! Playing baseball, riding my bike, I made a point of coming in to watch those two shows. I'll never forget when Maestro Bernstein reviewed the Beatles. He loved them! He broke down songs on the Revolver album & explained why, musically, they were very good. I particularly liked the shows with Isaac Stern. I don't remember if Gould was on. Must have been.

[@Amy-po3hu]

I love the parts where the artists argue with each other; such passion and dedications. They care so very much!

[@harmoniabalanza]

if you don't care a lot the art won't be very good.

[@Fluteperson01]

finaly get to see a master at work , long live leonard bernstein

[@tomasyo26]

this should have millions of views

[@bmwski0507]

I really like this twist on WSS that Bernstein takes. Its different hearing all the songs sung "operaticly". Bernstein is probably the one conductor in history I wish I could have played behind. My oboe teacher reminds me so much of him its amazing. If only I was born 30 years earlier.

[@erpollock]

Watch the conductro! That's my motto! The first "night" I came up short. The second "night" I watched Bernstein and sang it to the right length.

[@nicknikromos2658]

Sondheim rhymed "uncle" with "punk'll" ! Awesome!

[@ATLwalters]

2:50 for an incredible ensemble, makes your ears cry

[@maruchy59]

thank you so much for your wonderful compilation !!!!! GREAT GREAT GREAT .... ALL of them ...

[@countalucard4226]

Time machine take me to 9/26/1957 Winter Garden Theatre.

[@Redflowers9]

3:30 - 4:30 just... mind blowing.

Definitely great!!

[@musickrazy43]

i think carreras is great for this recording. his voice is perfect. so what if the words aren't exactly right?

[@MAKEOVERGUY]

@sinfonian39 I think he was a little drunk when he circled Carreras accidentally...but that's only "what I heard." ;)

[@VenancioPineda]

He is calling José (Carreras) PEPESITO ??? LOL !!!!!

[@TheMusiris]

Thanks, better late than never ;)

[@TheMusiris]

1:50, who's this awesome guy ?

[@toodlepip990]

jose

[@christinedaae87]

ilove the quintet its my favorite song!! its soo powerful!!! it always made me laugh tho that the maria is frm australia and the tonys spanish (i think) lol. xxx

[@Joshlama]

To continue with what alfonso1clarinet is saying... click on the video, and then click it again. then hold down 5. Enjoy.

[@winrx]

lol Pepesito...?

[@ATLwalters]

@alfonso1clarinet i just like to use that button to listen to the ensemble again.

[@uknowwho889]

*sounds*

[@wowthungsten]

@kackadv If you were there and were a part of that, you just did one of the best jobs you would ever do in your life. Where they pick up at bar 90 and just turn on the power to the finale, sweet mother mercy, that's better than sex.

[@JohnMichaelHaas]

Did anyone miss TOn'y and MAria's High C at the end?

[@MalCobb63]

Riff probably :p!

[@FungoBoy]

lol the accent is hilarious

[@ZubinHathiPercussion]

Kurt Ollmann

[@sinfonian39]

Are you kidding me? It's BERNSTEIN'S PIECE!!! These guys were HAND-PICKED BY BERNSTEIN to perform it perfectly. Give me a break.

[@harmoniabalanza]

Carreras was just too technical for this role. Super polyrhythmic singing--HARD.

[@bmwski0507]

There is a reason Carreras is having trouble.. he is not singing in his native language. Yea he's fluent in english but to sing this kind of music is very difficult even for an english speaking native.

[@strangelylookingperson]

I wouldn't that he's particularly fluent in English.

[@finylvinyl66]

If you watch the video of the making of the recording, it is quite clear how exasperated Bernstein is about Carreras' rhythmic problems. I'm afraid Jose is far from perfect.

[@uknowwho889]

I agree, there are few vocalists to match Carerras, but in my humble opinion, when it comes down to it Tony is a Polish-American, it's not the singing, its the accent, he dounds like he should be in the Sharks. It's not a big deal, it's just a little frustrating. i think these recordings are fantastic and in no way am I saying I could do better, it's just my opinion!

[@Arnold3135]

Yes there are always problems singing in a language that's not native to you. This I understand and accept. What I have trouble with is his inability to count -- his rythmn. During the Maria aria recording, Bernstein completely lose's it. Thankfully the producer intervened. I hate to imagine what was left on the "cutting room floor" during that portion of the session. Check it out, it's both amazing and disappointing.

[@Arnold3135]

Carreras troubles during this session is a classic example of why it's said that American singers are better trained. There are mistakes made here that should not occur. This is entire recording was ill-conceived. Of the the entire cast, Kiri stands out as believeable. Troyanos couldn't make the adjustment and Carreras, well - God bless him - was awful. To hear Carreras at his absolute best, listen to his recital following his herculean struggle with cancer. It was a voice from heaven.

[@kibarra371]

I believe Carreras had only a few days to prepare for this role. He was brought into the project quite late and learned his role, quiet literally, overnight. Let's give him some cred for stepping in.

[@intermerdacce]

it's not only language problem. it's a fact of musical problem. maybe only he's not so fit for this type of music, that's it

[@Arnold3135]

The problem here is not his English, it's his rhythm. But if you think the performance is perfect, then so be it! Reasonable minds can disagree.

[@swanningaround]

There is nothing at all wrong with Jose. In fact, he is fantastic. It is clear that Leni and Kiri get on well together. Jose and Leni may not have that chemistry. However, both Kiri and Jose are ideal choices in this role. Kiri even looks South American!

[@finylvinyl66]

Sorry, but for me Carreras ruins the recording.

[@bobdownes162]

Carreras is unbearable !!!!