Search - Leonard Bernstein, Irwin Kostal, Katia Labeque :: Bernstein: West Side Story Symphonic Dances and Songs

Like West Side Story? Like the Piano? This is for You!

06/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The remarkable piano playing sisters Katia and Marielle Labeque have done it again with this upbeat, rich piano interpretation of Leonard Bernstein's beloved masterpiece, West Side Story. The Labeque duo plays the Symphonic dances and songs from the musical as transcribed by Irwin Kostal for two pianos. When Kostal went to get Bernstein's endorsement, his first reaction was "What about the percussion?" No fear, Lenny, the Labeques rock out with the Symphonic Dances with two percussionists and a jazz drummer.



1. Overture: Short, but engaging. Gets your attention. ***

2. Scherzando: Sweet and snazzy. It's basically the prologue. ***

3. Blues: Enthralling take on the piano. Great percussions. ***

4. Somewhere: Beautiful and rich. A real tear-jerker. *****

5. Scherzo: A fun song. Great performance by both sisters. ***

6. Mambo: Fantastic! Upbeat and wild, this is my all-time favorite. *****

7. Cha-Cha: Sweet. This song always sounds great on a piano. (Or two in this case!) ****

8. Cool: Awesome! The Labeques play this piece with a jazz flair. *****

9. Rumble: This is the rumble, every note right on key. ***

10. I Have a Love (Finale): Beautiful...get your hanky out for this one. ****

11. Something's Coming: Never one of my favorites, but the Labeques do a good job, as always. ***

12. Maria: Strong and passionate. Beautiful piano playing by both sisters. ****

13. America: Starts off high and upbeat. Awesome high-voltage playing. Powerful! *****

14. Jet Song: Upbeat and rocky, the Labeques boogie woogie this one. ****

15. One Hand, One Heart: Not as powerful as the others, but wonderful all the same. ****

16. I Feel Pretty: Again, not one of my favorites, but Kostal turned this one into a sweet, music box composition. At first, actually, the Labeques didn't want to include I Feel Pretty, but in the end were pleased by Kostal's Chopin-like arrangement. ***

17. Tonight: Enthralling! Sends shivers up my spine. Amazing music. *****

18. A Boy Like That/I Have a Love: Amazing, passionate. Very, very passionate. *****



Overall, this CD is a five star all the way. Lenny would be proud."