Sharks, Jets, Tubas ... Oh My!
Thanks to the 2021 remake directed by Steven Spielberg, the musical West Side Story has recently been regaining popularity among modern audiences. Originally released in 1957, this resetting of the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet was met with rave reviews among theater-goers. It was quickly put into production for the silver screen, and later released in 1961. This film went on to become the highest grossing of all box office films that year. It won 10 Academy Awards, including that for best picture and is still widely regarded as one of the best musicals of all time.
The plot follows the story of Maria and Tony, two teenagers who fall in love. However, each has ties to opposing gangs, and are forbidden from being together. Being a modern staging of William Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet, there remains a romantic feel throughout the soundtrack. A secondary theme in this show is that of the plight of the immigrant in mid-1950s America. Below are two songs from this soundtrack, Maria and America, each of which respectively encapsulates one aspect of the two major themes mentioned above.
Maria
Jack Gale, one of the pit musicians in the original Broadway pit, was so inspired by the music of this production, that he took it upon himself to arrange for brass quintet a few of the musical's major works. This work has become standard in the brass quintet repertoire, appearing on many audition lists. One movement in particular, America, seems to stand out from among the rest as being particularly demanding for the brass players. The arrangements by Jack Gale of the two songs above are here being performed by the Center City Brass Quintet, one of the most prolific brass quintets of modern America.
Maria
Always love to see the Center City love! The Gale West Side Story arrangement is one I've played a few times over the years with various groups, and the idea has never shaken from me how effective it is. Center City's studio recording captures the character of not only the arrangements, but also the musical, and their expressive and boisterous style of playing gives life to the original characters of the musical.
ReplyDeleteThis Quintet arrangement is a classic. I think one of the things that makes it so great is that Jack Gale doesn’t really leave anything out just to make it easier for the performers. It’s all there and it’s tough but fun to play. I remember trying to put it together and it really pushed me as a musician.
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