Bernstein has those agitated triplets. When things get desperate, he incorporates an unusual, striking device. The music starts, stops for a breath, hits again, grabs another breath. Bursts of orchestral fury punctuated by tiny silences. Unison trombones blare, string figures zigzag.
Drums go beserk.
The orchestra takes over, culminating in one of the most chilling passages in movie music. French horn rips upwards, tuba punches through. It's a lengthy, incredible blend of image and music. When Bernstein finally allows solo violin to climb out of the despair, you know Frankie Machine has licked it this time. This score has always been around.