Leonard Bernstein

From the Broadway show Wonderful Town comes this entertaining and witty production number from the legendary Leonard Bernstein. As the title implies this “rag” finds its way into some curious melodicentanglements as well as unexpected rhythmic twists and turns as only maestro Bernstein can conjure up. A delightful number for any occasion! (3:00)

By far the jazziest tune from Bernstein's West Side Story is the iconic Cool. Combining a medium swing style with angular riffs and a cocky attitude here is a great sounding version for flexible instrumentation.

Leonard Bernstein's Candide Suite transcribed for Symphonic Wind Band by Clare Grundman. Full set of Parts.

The first theme of Slava! is a vaudevillian razz-ma-tazz tune filled with side-slipping modulations and sliding trombones. The second theme is a canon and after a brief development section the two themes recur in reverse order. Near the end they are combined with a quotation (proclaimed by the ubiquitous trombones) from the Coronation Scene of Moussorgsky's 'Boris Goudonov' where the chorus sings the Russian word slava! meaning glory!   In this way the composer is paying homage to his friend Mistislav Rostropovich called 'Slava' by his friends and to whom the overture is fondly dedicated. The overture was written to celebrateRostropovich's inauguration as music director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C. in 1977. Leonard Bernstein the son of a Russian immigrant was born near Boston Mass. and studied composition at Harvard. Called 'an authentic American hero an arts hero ' Bernstein had a distinguished career as composer and conductor. – James Huff

from West Side Story-From one of the greatest musicals of all time here is Bernstein's ever-popular Mambo in a carefully adapted and edited version that reduces some of the extreme technical demands of the original. This arrangement is notated in cut time for ease of reading and is scored a third lower. However none of the authenticity or energy has been altered resulting in a stunning showcase for concert or festival or even an encore.

Sung by the Jets gang in Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story this familiar song is filled with energy and rambunctious humor. With the melodic phrases being bounced from section to section this clever adaptation by Paul Murtha is a great way to liven up the concert stage.

Full score to a suite from Bernstein's musical arranged by Ian Polster for wind band.

The year 2007 marked the 50th anniversary of West Side Story, considered by many to be Broadway's greatest contribution to the arts, as well as the most memorable work from legendary composer Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein's own symphonic setting continues to be performed by every major orchestra and is now available in authentic form for concert band. As with the original orchestral version, individual dances may be performed in combinations to accomodate shorter program needs.

from West Side Story-From one of the greatest musicals of all time here is Bernsteins ever-popular Mambo in a carefully adapted and edited version that reduces some of the extreme technical demands of the original. This arrangement is notatedin cut time for ease of reading and is scored a third lower. However none of the authenticity or energy has been altered resulting in a stunning showcase for concert or festival or even an encore.