Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Show Tune

Compose Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

3:05

"Maria" is a song from the musical "West Side Story" composed by Leonard Bernstein. The musical premiered on Broadway on September 26, 1957, and "Maria" was one of its most popular songs. The song is sung by the male lead, Tony, as he expresses his love for Maria, the female lead. The song is composed in the key of B-flat major and has a moderate tempo. It is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own melody and lyrics. The first section is a slow and romantic introduction, where Tony sings about how Maria's name is like a prayer. The second section is more upbeat and features a Latin-inspired rhythm, as Tony sings about how he has never felt this way before. The third section is a reprise of the first section, with Tony singing about how he needs Maria in his life. The song is characterized by its soaring melody and emotional lyrics. Bernstein's use of dissonance and unconventional chord progressions adds to the song's dramatic tension. The lyrics, written by Stephen Sondheim, are simple yet powerful, expressing the intense emotions of young love. "Maria" has become one of the most iconic songs from "West Side Story" and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its popularity is a testament to Bernstein's skill as a composer and Sondheim's talent as a lyricist. The song captures the essence of the musical's themes of love, loss, and the struggle for acceptance, making it a timeless classic.

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