I am lucky to have a great father, who has supported me since day one, and has been the single largest influence on who I am as a person today. My earliest memories of my dad involve him constantly playing music in the house, and one record that sticks out in my mind (amongst many) is West Side Story. From a very young age I heard these songs over and over again … unaware that I was actually starting to familiarize myself with the genius of Leonard Bernstein. Twenty-some odd years later I have learned many of his compositions, and am able to further appreciate his work.
“…one of the most prodigally talented and successful musicians in American history.” – New York Times
There are numerous songs from West Side Story that are very widely known, but I figured I would make more of an unpredictable choice. The “Dance at the Gym” is where the Jets and Sharks, accompanied by their lady friends, meet up and actually at one point dance battle. It is made up of four different pieces of music (reminder, Bernstein is on another level). If you enjoy impressive musical arrangements, this should blow you away.