Bernstein Flashcards
What is Bernstein’s music influenced by?
classical forms and idioms.
What elements are fused in Bernstein’s musical style?
Bernstein’s melodic style fuses popular and classical elements.
What nationalities did Bernstein use in his music?
In his music, Bernstein integrated American, Hispanic, and Jewish elements.
What other kinds of music did Bernstein incorporate?
In his music, Bernstein absorbed popular, jazz, and musical theater elements.
What kinds of rhythms does Bernstein use?
Bernstein’s rhythms are frequently drawn from popular dance styles, a notable example of this is his incorporation of the mambo and cha-cha.
What song of Bernstein’s does RCM use in its history course?
West side story: Maria and America
Who sings the first of Bernstein’s songs?
Tony (tenor)
Who sings the second of Bernstein’s songs?
Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks
Anita, Bernardo’s girlfriend
Rosalia, a friend of Anita’s
Other Puerto-Rican girls and Shark members
What is the setting of Bernstein’s first song?
Setting: outside the gymnasium, where Tony has just met and fallen in love with Maria
What is the setting of Bernstein’s second song?
Setting: an alley behind Bernardo and Maria’s house
What sentiments are expressed in Bernstein’s first song?
Sentiments expressed: Tony reflects rapturously on Maria’s name
What sentiments are expressed in Bernstein’s second song?
Sentiments expressed:
Bernardo expresses his homesickness for his native Puerto Rico; Anita defiantly declares her love for her newfound home, Manhattan
The clever lyrics extol both the virtues and false promises of “The American Dream”
What is the structure of Bernstein’s second song?
Structure: verse–chorus structure, preceded by introduction. The verse–chorus structure is a common song structure in popular music: verses develop the character/storyline, while the “chorus” acts as a tuneful refrain
What is the key of Bernstein’s first song?
Key: B major–E flat major
What is the key of Bernstein’s second song?
Key: ambiguous tonality until chorus in C major
