PDF Playlist
Melanie Marshall, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Loren Geeting, Greg Castigliono, Will Martin, Tom Pearce, Hayley Westenra, Vittorio Grigolo, Connie Fisher, Leonard Bernstein, Alice Fearn, Kirstie Hoiles, Ian McClarnan, Rebecca Trehearn, Colin Zamitt
About Maria
"Maria" is a song from the Broadway musical West Side Story, sung by the lead character Tony. The music was written by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song was published in 1956. "Maria" is sung by the male lead Tony when he learns the name of the girl he's fallen in love with is "Maria". The name "Maria" is spoken or sung in the song 29 times. Originally written in B major by Bernstein - but later lowered a half step to Bb major for the Original Broadway production - which then modulates to D major respectively. In the 1961 film however, the song was in the key of A major modulating to D-flat major. The song is widely known for its use of the melodic interval of a tritone in the main theme. The song is an example of the use of Lydian mode, which is the same as the major scale but with a raised 4th, giving the tritone characteristic of this piece.more »
- Year:
- 2007
- 2:59
- 336Views
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(window.cf)c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="https://srv.clickfuse.com/showads/showad.js";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)};})();
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
MariaThe most beautiful sound I ever heard: Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria Maria! I've just met a girl named Maria, And suddenly that name Will never be the same To me. Maria! I've just kissed a girl named Maria, And suddenly I've found How wonderful a sound Can be! Maria! Say it loud and there's music playing, Say it soft and it's almost like praying. Maria, I'll never stop saying Maria! The most beautiful sound I ever heard. Maria
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(window.cf)c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="https://srv.clickfuse.com/showads/showad.js";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)};})();
Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein ( /ˈbɜrnstaɪn/ US dict: bûrn′·stīn; August 25, 1918 – October 14, 1990) was an American composer, conductor, author, music lecturer and pianist. He was among the first conductors born and educated in the United States of America to receive worldwide acclaim. According to The New York Times, he was "one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history." He is quite possibly the conductor whose name is best known to the public in general, especially the American public. more »
0 fans
Sheet Music PDF Playlist
Written by: Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Origin"Maria" is a song from the 1957 Broadway musical, "West Side Story," composed by Leonard Bernstein. |
Literary ContributionThe lyrics of "Maria" were written by Stephen Sondheim who was primarily a playwright and became one of the most important figures in 20th-century musical theatre. |
Character ConnectionThe song is intimately linked to the character Tony who sings it after meeting Maria at a dance, expressing his newly discovered love for her. |
Time SignatureUnlike most songs, "Maria" has an unconventional time signature of 2/4, providing a steady rhythm that mirrors the heartbeat-like swelling of infatuation. |
Linguistic factThe song's title, "Maria", is repeated 27 times throughout the track, showcasing Tony's near obsession and deep infatuation with Maria. |
Cinematic Presence"Maria" was also included in the 1961 film adaptation of "West Side Story," where it was performed by actor-singer Jim Bryant. |
Cultural ImpactDue to its popularity, the song "Maria" has been covered by many artists over the years, including Johnny Mathis, Julie Andrews, and The Supremes. |
Award Recognition"West Side Story," where the song "Maria" originated from, won a Tony Award for Best Choreography and was nominated for Best Musical in 1957. |
Musical Traits"Maria" is noted for its soaring melody and lyricism, reflecting both the high stakes of the love story and Bernstein's background in classical music. |
Fusion StyleThe song "Maria" reflects Bernstein's fusion of different musical styles, combining elements of classical music, jazz, and traditional Broadway melodies. |
Popular References"Maria" along with other songs from "West Side Story" have become icons of American culture, referenced and parodied in various forms of media. |
more »
