Which opera by Bernstein is notably influenced by jazz?

Prepare for the Graduate Music History Placement Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

The opera that is notably influenced by jazz is "West Side Story." Bernstein deliberately incorporated jazz elements throughout the score, effectively merging classical techniques with the rhythms, harmonies, and instrumental colors characteristic of jazz music. This influence is particularly evident in the vibrant orchestration and the way the musical numbers capture the spirit of the time and cultural setting of New York City.

While "On the Town" also showcases Bernstein's jazz influences in its lively rhythms and syncopation, the distinctive integration of jazz elements is most iconic in "West Side Story," where it plays a pivotal role in character and scene development. "Trouble in Tahiti," while modern and influenced by popular music, does not exhibit the same level of jazz integration. "Peter Pan" leans more toward a traditional musical style rather than jazz idioms.

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