I had to triple check to make sure that I hadn’t already written about this album recently, as it’s easily a top 10 for me (I should actually make a list, as I find myself saying that a lot). The album is a studio (non-stage production) recording and it uses color-blind casting focused on opera heavy-hitters. Kiki Te Kanawa, of Maori decent, as Maria. Joel Carreras, of Spanish decent, as Tony. And Tatiana Troyanos, of German/Greek decent as Anita. Bernstein himself conducts this recording. And I believe this is the first (and only?) recording (of West Side Story) with Bernstein conducting. I could be mistaken. But with regard to the change in medium, Bernstein is no stranger to opera. In fact, he has written more opera/operettas than broadway musicals (I think?). Candide and Trouble in Tahiti are the first one’s to come to my mind.

The Dance at the Gym numbers remain timeless in their melodies and rhythm. Bernstein goes HAM on the Mambo and it’s hard to stay sitting in my chair at this coffee shop while listening. It is so high energy and emotional. You can feel bernstein’s energy and sweat dripping into the music itself. It’s a really great recording of the Dance.

The tracks America and Cool are highlights for me as well. In America, especially, Bernstein’s use of acoustic guitar and a diverse percussion and horn section brings this iconic Puerto Rican anthem to life in a very big and bright way.

West Side Story is likely Bernstein’s most famous piece of music. And as a huge fan of his opera/operetta work, as well as his symphonic/choral work, and his symphonic variations of the score of West Side Story, it is quite lovely to hear this score from a operatic perspective. Listening to this album reminds me how timeless the West Side Story score is. It sounds modern, bright, and relevant in any decade and in most forms of media (opera, broadway, film…) This recording was made 5 years prior to his death in 1990. It is such a blessing to have this recording and hear Bernstein’s interpretation of his own score 25+ years after the show opened.

Bernstein’s music will live on forever. I’m sure many would consider West Side Story to be his magnum opus. I won’t agree or disagree, but rather, acknowledge it’s outstanding timelessness and it’s ability to reach out to every type of audience and move them emotionally.