westsidestory

BWW CD Review: San Francisco Symphony's WEST SIDE STORY is a Triumph

by David Clarke

When it comes to contemporary classics in American musical theatre, just the sheer mention of Leonard Bernstein's WEST SIDE STORY, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Arthur Laurents, is enough to get any fan of the medium listening. This beloved masterpiece first premiered in 1957 and Leonard Bernstein had hoped to change the face of the American musical theater with it. That goal wasn't quite accomplished, but his clever orchestrations, drive and ambition, and unique construction made the show a hallmark of the genre that is still adored and studied today.

San Francisco Symphony, with Michael Tilson Thomas as conductor, presented an enthralling staged concert version of WEST SIDE STORY in the summer of 2013. With an immense knowledge of the musical and the man who created the score, Michael Tilson Thomas has expertly lead the opulent San Francisco Orchestra and a cast of brilliant talent through the score. Recorded live from June 27 to July 2, 2013 at the Davies Symphony Hall at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, the dual disc album is definitely one of the loveliest recordings of the score you'll ever hear.
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Cheyenne Jackson, Alexandra Silber and More Star in San Francisco Symphony's New Live Recording of WEST SIDE STORY; Set for Digital Release Today


Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) and the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) release a new live recording of the first-ever concert performances of Leonard Bernstein's complete score for the musical West Side Story featuring a stellar Broadway cast including Cheyenne Jackson and Alexandra Silber, and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, on June 10, 2014.

This collector's edition two-disc set available from the SFS Media label includes a 100-page booklet featuring a new interview with MTT, notes from Rita Moreno and Jamie Bernstein, as well as a West Side Story historical timeline, archival photographs, complete lyrics, and rehearsal and performance photos.

Beginning today, May 20, West Side Story will be available for an exclusive early download from iTunes.com/SFSymphony where it is now available for pre-order. The iTunes release is Mastered for iTunes and offered as an interactive iTunes LP with bonus visuals and content provided when viewed in iTunes. The recording can also be pre-ordered on disc from the San Francisco Symphony's online store for delivery by the release date of June 10. This audiophile SACD recording, playable on both standard CD and SACD devices.
( Read more... )

Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) and the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) will release a new live recording of the first-ever concert performances of Leonard Bernstein's complete score for the musical "West Side Story" featuring a stellar Broadway cast including Cheyenne Jackson and Alexandra Silber, and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, on June 10, 2014.

This collector's edition two-disc set available from the SFS Media label includes a 100-page booklet featuring a new interview with MTT, notes from Rita Moreno and Jamie Bernstein, as well as a historical timeline, archival photographs, complete lyrics, and rehearsal and performance photos. Beginning May 20, West Side Story will be available for an exclusive early download from http://iTunes.com/SFSymphony where it is now available for pre-order.

The iTunes release is Mastered for iTunes and offered as an interactive iTunes LP with bonus visuals and content provided when viewed in iTunes. The recording can also be pre-ordered on disc from the San Francisco Symphony's online store at http://www.sfsymphony.org/store for delivery by the release date of June 10. This audiophile SACD recording, playable on both standard CD and SACD devices.

Cheyenne Jackson, Alexandra Silber and More Star in San Francisco Symphony's New Live Recording of WEST SIDE STORY; Set for Digital Release 5/20

Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) and the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) will release a new live recording of the first-ever concert performances of Leonard Bernstein's complete score for the musical West Side Story featuring a stellar Broadway cast including Cheyenne Jackson and Alexandra Silber, and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, on June 10, 2014.

This collector's edition two-disc set available from the SFS Media label includes a 100-page booklet featuring a new interview with MTT, notes from Rita Moreno and Jamie Bernstein, as well as a West Side Story historical timeline, archival photographs, complete lyrics, and rehearsal and performance photos.
( Read more... )