West Side Story (1961 Film Soundtrack)

CD Details

Leonard Bernstein’s musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet brought the classic tale to 1960s New York, reimagining it as a story of rival gangs, racial tension, and young love. With lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the show became a Broadway sensation before director Robert Wise brought it to film in 1961, featuring Richard Beymer as Tony and Rita Moreno as Anita alongside Natalie Wood. The soundtrack captures the production’s blend of operatic emotion, sharp social commentary, and vibrant choreography through both memorable songs and dynamic instrumental pieces.

This 1992 Sony Masterworks CD reissue presents the expanded program made possible by the CD format, including the Overture, Prologue, and signature tracks like “Maria,” “America,” “Tonight,” “Jet Song,” “Something’s Coming,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “Gee, Officer Krupke.” The 20-bit digital transfer brings fresh clarity to Bernstein’s orchestrations and the vocal performances. A landmark recording of American musical theatre, this used copy lets you own a piece of that history at a fraction of retail.