Leonard Bernstein: West Side Story - Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Arthur Laurents / Conceived by Jerome Robbins / National Symphony Orchestra / Showtime! Audio CD 1995 / SHOW CD006

UPC 5014797110069

Product Details

• Label: Showtime! – SHOW CD006
• Format: CD
• Country: UK
• Released: 1995
• Genre: Classical, Stage & Screen

Overview

West Side Story is one of the most iconic and influential musicals of all time, conceived by Jerome Robbins, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents. Set in 1950s New York City, it’s a powerful reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, exploring the tensions between two rival street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. The musical delves into themes of love, racial prejudice, and social conflict, and is known for its brilliant music, choreography, and dramatic storytelling.

This 1995 recording by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of John Owen Edwards brings the classic musical to life with a remarkable cast and dynamic orchestral arrangements. The album features stirring renditions of memorable songs like Jet Song, America, I Feel Pretty, Somewhere, and more, performed by talented artists including Paul Manuel, Caroline O'Connor, and Tinuke Olafimihan. The orchestra’s powerful performance adds depth to the emotional intensity of this tragic love story.

Track Listing

1. Jet Song – National Symphony Orchestra & Nicholas Warnford (Vocals [Jets Cast] – Unknown Artist)
2. Something's Coming – Paul Manuel
3. Maria – Paul Manuel (Vocals [Voices Cast] – Unknown Artist)
4. America – Caroline O'Connor, Nick Ferranti (Vocals [Sharks Cast] – Unknown Artist)
5. Cool – Nicholas Warnford & Jets Cast (Vocals [Jets Cast] – Unknown Artist)
6. One Hand, One Heart – Paul Manuel & Tinuke Olafimihan
7. Tonight (Quintet) – Nicholas Warnford, Nick Ferranti, Paul Manuel, Caroline O'Connor, Tinuke Olafimihan with Jets (Vocals [Jets] – Unknown Artist, Vocals [Sharks Cast] – Unknown Artist)
8. I Feel Pretty – Tinuke Olafimihan, Elinor Stephenson, Julie Paton, Nicole Carty
9. Gee, Officer Krupke! – Kieran Daniels (Vocals [Jets Cast] – Unknown Artist)
10. A Boy Like That – Caroline O'Connor & Tinuke Olafimihan
11. I Have A Love – Tinuke Olafimihan & Caroline O'Connor
12. Somewhere – Paul Manuel & Tinuke Olafimihan

Key Credits

• Concept By [Conceived By], Directed By: Jerome Robbins
• Conductor: John Owen Edwards
• Director Of Photography [Production Photographs]: Gerry Murray, Matthew R. Lewis
• Leader [Orchestra]: Perry Montague Mason
• Libretto By [Book]: Arthur Laurents
• Lyrics By: Stephen Sondheim
• Music By: Leonard Bernstein
• Orchestra: National Symphony Orchestra
• Producer, Executive Producer: John Yap
• Recorded By, Engineer: John Kurlander