West Side Story (1997 Studio Cast) (First Complete Recording)
In thewell-known recordingwhich Leonard Bernstein himself made in his final decade, one intention was to more fully reveal the "operatic" dimension ofWest Side Storythrough big-name opera singers, as well as the symphonic complexity of its beloved score. With this JAY recording--part of the label'sOriginal Masterworks Editionsseries--you get a similarly completist view of the work, but with a youthful, more "Broadway"-sounding cast that sounds plausibly--and movingly--close to the age of the actual characters. There's of course a good deal more musical material, along with underscored dialog, than what's presented on theOBC recording(let alone thefilm soundtrack). ThisWest Side Storyeven includes some music not found on the Bernstein recording: the "Overture" and the alternative motion-picture versions of four songs. It was recorded at Abbey Road Studios following 1992's Leicester Haymarket Theatre revival (a successful venture markedly contrasting with the disastrous, passionless 30th-anniversary New York revival). The fine surround-sound captures a detailed performance percolating not just with the necessary energy but with lots of orchestral detail and color as well. Some of the British accents inevitably begin to emerge (mostly in moments of chorus), while the New York accents can seem a bit overdone; but these are minor quibbles over an otherwise stirring vision ofWest Side Story. Even with his smallish voice,Paul Manuelis an involving Tony thanks to his vocal acting, and he mixes magically withTinuke Olafimihan's touching Maria. It's easy to visualize the ballet in the chorus's deft vocalizing, andCaroline O'Connor's over-the-top Anita is memorably feisty. Do note that this set unfortunately does not include the libretto or lyrics.--Thomas May