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Maria (West Side Story song)
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Wikipedia article
"'Maria'" is a song from the 1957 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 and 2021 films 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.
Cover versions
* Peter Alexander
* Alfie Boe
* Andrea Bocelli
* Jimmy Bryant - provided Tony's singing voice in the 1961 film
* Jos Carreras
* Dave Brubeck – featured in 'Silver Linings Playbook'
* Matt Cavenaugh
* George Chakiris
* Perry Como
* Michael Crawford – in a medley of 'West Side Story' songs
* Vic Damone
* Plcido Domingo
* Jeff Duff
* Ansel Elgort played Tony in the 2021 film
* Maynard Ferguson
* Sergio Franchi – on his 1964 RCA Victor Red Seal album 'Women in My Life'Sergio Franchi –
* Marvin Gaye
* The Gods
* Karel Gott
* Josh Groban
* David Habbin
* Jay and the Americans
* Udo Jrgens
* Ramin Karimloo
* Stan Kenton
* Larry Kert – original artist, he performed as Tony in the Broadway play
* Luis Mariano
* Johnny Mathis
* Matt Monro
* Julian Ovenden
* Gene Pitney
* P.J. Proby
* Buddy Rich
* Peter Tevis
* Sarah Vaughan
* Mark Vincent
* Il Volo
* Steve Watson
* Andy Williams
* Roger Williams
* Vittorio Grigolo
* Ben Platt
* Jeremy Jordan
* Peter Cousens
It was also sampled in the song "Almost Like Praying" by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
References
Category:1956 songs
Category:Songs with music by Leonard Bernstein
Category:Songs from West Side Story
Category:Perry Como songs
Category:Marvin Gaye songs
Category:Jay and the Americans songs
Category:Johnny Mathis songs
Category:Gene Pitney songs
Category:Ben Platt songs
Category:Songs written by Stephen Sondheim
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