Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Dance

Compose Date

:

1960

First Performance

:

1961

Average_duration

:

21:57

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

Symphonic Dances (9) from West Side Story is a musical composition by Leonard Bernstein, based on his famous Broadway musical West Side Story. The piece was composed in 1960 and premiered on April 13, 1961, by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the composer himself. The Symphonic Dances consist of nine movements, each of which is based on a different scene or character from the musical. The first movement, "Prologue," sets the stage for the story and introduces the two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. The second movement, "Somewhere," is a dream-like sequence that expresses the longing for a better world. The third movement, "Scherzo," is a lively dance that captures the energy and excitement of the gangs' street fights. The fourth movement, "Mambo," is a Latin dance that features a percussion section and showcases the musical's famous dance sequences. The fifth movement, "Cha-Cha," is a playful dance that highlights the flirtatious relationship between the characters Anita and Bernardo. The sixth movement, "Meeting Scene," is a tense and dramatic scene that leads up to the tragic climax of the story. The seventh movement, "Cool Fugue," is a complex and intricate fugue that represents the inner turmoil of the Jets. The eighth movement, "Rumble," is a powerful and intense depiction of the gangs' final battle. The ninth and final movement, "Finale," brings the piece to a close with a reprise of the musical's most famous songs, "Somewhere" and "Tonight." The Symphonic Dances from West Side Story are characterized by their use of jazz and Latin rhythms, as well as their complex harmonies and orchestration. The piece is a masterful adaptation of the musical for the concert hall, and it has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire.

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