Bernstein's single word

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Leonard Bernstein’s “Maria” stands as one of the most iconic moments in West Side Story, capturing the essence of romantic awakening through its lyrical intensity and harmonic sophistication. Its structure mirrors the recitativo–aria form found in classical opera, while the tritone appoggiatura, present throughout the whole musical, imbues the melody with yearning tension that perfectly reflects Tony’s impassioned state.

Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990)
Maria from West Side Story (1957)
Performance: José Carreras and the Leonard Bernstein Orchestra conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Further reading:
Cott, Jonathan: Dinner with Lenny: The Last Long Interview with Leonard Bernstein. IRL Press at Oxford University Press, US, 2013.

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