Ep. 89 - Leonard Bernstein's 'West Side Story'
Crime, Drama, Music, Musical, 11-Aug-2021
Inspired by 'Romeo & Juliet', 'West Side Story' is nearly a perfect film in its craftsmanship between sound & image, and tells a deeply moving story as two cultures collide in New York City. The entire beginning is shot entirely with music, dance, little dialogue, and in our minds is one of the most stunning first ten minutes of a film ever shot on film. The music, is also crafted in a way that defines each scene and the characters that move within the frame. Who needs dialogue when the music can tell you everything you need to know?
The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won ten (including Best Picture), and is considered to be one of the best films ever made.
The composer, Leonard Bernstein, is also among the most important conductors of his time and is considered "one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history."
Listen to the score: https://open.spotify.com/album/1kA4RO70idrEQkOX3zlRfa?si=Wz9wVALnR0Cb581O_XmAEQ&dl_branch=1
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Every Monday and Wednesday, SCORE CUE SNAPSHOTS brings you iconic scenes married to the corresponding score cue without dialogue and SFX, thus allowing anyone to appreciate how the score works with what you see unfold on-screen.