Leonard Bernstein was a renowned American composer, conductor, and pianist. "I Feel Pretty" is a song from the musical "West Side Story," for which Bernstein composed the music. Here are some interesting facts about Leonard Bernstein and the song:
West Side Story Collaboration: "West Side Story" was a collaboration between Leonard Bernstein (music), Stephen Sondheim (lyrics), and Arthur Laurents (book). The musical is a modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," set in the context of gang rivalry in New York City.
Versatile Musician: Bernstein's contribution to music goes beyond Broadway. He was also a highly regarded classical composer and conductor. His compositions include symphonies, ballets, and operas.
Broadway and Beyond: While "West Side Story" is one of his most famous works for Broadway, Bernstein's legacy extends to classical compositions. He conducted the New York Philharmonic and wrote pieces like "Candide" and the "Mass."
"I Feel Pretty": The song "I Feel Pretty" is a cheerful and lighthearted piece in the musical, sung by the character Maria. In the song, Maria expresses her joy and newfound confidence after falling in love.
Debut of "West Side Story": "West Side Story" premiered on Broadway in 1957. The musical was groundbreaking for its integration of dance, music, and storytelling, and it has since become a classic in the musical theater genre.
Influence on Musical Theater: Leonard Bernstein's innovative approach to musical composition had a lasting impact on the world of musical theater. "West Side Story" in particular is often cited as one of the greatest musicals of all time.
"I Feel Pretty" is just one of the memorable songs from Bernstein's impressive career, showcasing his ability to capture both the emotional depth and the exuberance of musical storytelling.