'West Side Story (Balcony Scene)' by Leonard Bernstein, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

"West Side Story (Balcony Scene)" by Leonard Bernstein, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

"The Proms, more commonly known as the BBC Proms, or the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts (hence the name), presented and broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Great Britain, take place every year for eight weeks during the summer season, from July to September. They are a great series of classical music concerts and other musical events, held mainly in the majestic setting of the Royal Albert Hall in London's South Kensington.

In 2012 - twelve years already! - the brilliant John Wilson and his no less excellent orchestra, The John Wilson Orchestra (which I hope we'll see again), brilliantly orchestrated several memorable evenings, including one devoted to Broadway classics. This included a dazzling excerpt from West Side Story, the famous musical inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, whose superb score was composed by the immense composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, one of my favorite conductors! And what a great Maestro!
We're off to hear the iconic Balcony Scene with Wilson at the helm, an imperial orchestra and two excellent singers and actors: Sierra Borgess (soprano) as Maria and Julian Ovenden (tenor) as Tony. Both the performance and the acting are superb, offering almost seven minutes of pure emotion. After a show like this, who can argue that musical comedy isn't an art form?" - Phil (requested this video reaction)

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This is a reaction video used to educate and give feedback related to the artist and the song.

*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER.

[MidnightMadness-yg]

Jesus this musical is so Classic. A timeless work of ART.

[lisaphamilton]

This Is the best rendition of tonight!!!!

[philharris]

The John Wilson orchestra is truly amazing I remember the commentator saying there are 6 orchestral leaders in just the string section alone. They generally play the some of the best music from film and musical theater. Often film music was never written down, so John would sit in a booth listening and would write out the full score for his huge orchestra and choir. John Wilson conducted an orchestra for the West Side Story musical for the first time at 17 years old. His orchestra is hand picked and is a jazz band surrounded by a symphony orchestra, its based on the old MGM studio orchestras. So they can play any style of music brilliantly, they also have special guest singers from all over the world from opera to jazz. I suggest you check out his many concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, and maybe consider reacting to any performance that takes your fancy. If you would like to see his orchestra at its best, I recommend "The Carousel Waltz" from his "Rogers and Hammerstein" concert. I guarantee this performance will blow your mind.

[matto]

West Side Story is one of the greatest plays that ever have been written and created! Thank you Leonard... still a very vivid statement to the problems in the US and the world in general. Great performance here! I saw the original as a child (in Germany) on TV in the 70s and it captured me forever. The message and how it was told really was sincere and clear. And... the humour!!!

[karelvandervelden]

Yes, seen this clip years ago. I recognized the quality. Knowing WSS from my childhood.
Anybody, cut yourself loose from generation differences and its music styles.
Quality is universal. Through all times. Its everywhere. It cuts through cultures.
Its what this musical is about. (love)

[bradcozart]

WOW! I haven't heard that in a very long time and it still gave me chills. Music is amazing.

[rbmelk]

What a great rendition! Now you’ve inspired me to request a scene from a musical:)

[davidellinsworth]

The Nightwish Army is calling you back Jeff

[debbicozart]

I still know every word to this song 😊

[davidlevine]

having been raised in suburban NYC our family had access to broadway in the '50s and '60s when it was still affordable to take the entire family to a show.

one of my mother's best friends brother was Jerome (Jerry) Robbins, and she got us tickets to see an original production in '58, and then again at least 2 more times i can recall because as kids we were allowed to pick a show we would want to see on our birthday. for a 6 year old it was amazing to behold and sealed my love of live theater, especially musicals. needless to say, the OS is in my phone now.

the Stan Kenton jazz version of these songs is also a treat.



☮❤🙏

[debbicozart]

I also saw the play and the movie. I love Westside story