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June 27, 2010
Gershwin - Three orchestral works
George Gershwin ’s orchestral works may not be on par with the canon of 20th century classical music but he remains one of America’s most loved composers. When not writing “tin pan alley” popular hits like “S’wonderful” and “I Got Rhythm”, he composed some elegant and very American orchestral works incorporating the classical idiom with popular American music. Here are three recordings of his more famous works that are in the public domain.
American in Paris was composed in 1924 and was inspired by the composer’s stay in Paris. Most readers may be familiar with the 1961 film directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Gene Kelly. This 1944 recording, from the old 78rpms, is by the NBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Arturo Toscanini.
Rhapsody in Blue was also composed in 1924 and is for piano and jazz band . It was an early attempt to blend classical music with jazz and was commissioned by Paul Whiteman for his orchestra. Later, the piece was orchestrated for the symphony orchestra by Ferde Grofe. The original recording with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra featuring Gershwin on piano can be downloaded here but I am not featuring it due to its terrible sound and short duration. Nonetheless, it is an important historical document. Instead, the link below will take you to a later orchestral recording with Arturo Toscanini. The pianist is Earl Wild and Benny Goodman does the famous solo clarinet intro at the beginning. By the way, I have played the clarinet part in local orchestras during my youth and the ascending glissando to high B flat is…excuse my language… a bitch.
The Second Rhapsody from 1931 is the least known of the three works. Never achieving the popularity of Rhapsody in Blue it is still an excellent work. The recording is from 1931 and is conducted by the composer, so it is probably the first recording of this composition. Hope you enjoy this triple treat of Gershwin.
Download
An American In Paris
Rhapsody In Blue
Second Rhapsody
Originally posted by Marvin from Free Albums Galore, ReBlogged by newmusicrebloggers on Jun 27, 2010 at 11:05 PM