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Filmed in 1984, the feature-length documentary Leonard Bernstein Conducts "West Side Story" follows the composer as he records the first-ever complete recording of his musical-theater masterpiece. Virtually the entire documentary takes place in a New York recording studio with a pick-up orchestra, session singers, and headliners Kiri Te Kanawa (Maria), José Carreras (Tony), Tatiana Troyanos (Anita), and Kurt Ollmann (Riff). The 89-minute program alternates rehearsal footage with complete final takes of the main numbers--including "Tonight," "America," and "Maria"--with limited comments from the principal players. Te Kanawa explains how much the music means to her, Troyanos notes how she grew up in the very streets depicted on stage, and Carreras provides a rare moment of tension when a session ends unsatisfactorily. Bernstein himself is by turns commanding, charming, enthusiastic, and weary. This is a fascinating insight into what happens as a major album is recorded. --Gary S. Dalkin

Description
Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story is a staple of the American theatre. In "The Making of West Side Story" (a bestseller on CD), a legendary cast is led by Jose Carreras, Kiri Te Kanawa, Tatiana Troyanos, and Kurt Ollmann--all conducted and supervised by Leonard Bernstein. See and hear the making of a masterpiece--from the first piano rehearsals to the actual recording performances. A must for every fan as well as a rare look inside a recording studio. Includes Bernstein's famous "interruption" of "Maria."