Rhapsody in Blue/American in Paris

1. An American in Paris, tone poem for orchestra
Composed by George Gershwin
with Dieter Goldman

2. Concerto in F, for piano & orchestra
Composed by George Gershwin
Performed by Slavonica Philharmonia with Dieter Goldman
Conducted by Henry Adolph

3. Rhapsody in Blue for piano & orchestra (orchestral version by F. Grofé)
Composed by George Gershwin
with Dieter Goldman

Rhapsody in Blue/American in Paris,George Gershwin,Henry Adolph,Philharmonia Slavonica,Dieter Goldman,Dieter Goldmann,Ent. Media Partners,20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem,American Popular Song,Classical,Classical Composers,Classical Vocals,Concerto,Modern Composition,Orchestral,Piano Concerto

Average customer rating: Gershwin/Bernstein: Rhapsody In Blue and American In Paris A glorious tribute! A Truly Great Performance GLORIOUS! The Definitive Version and Good Sound Quality!

Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Copland: Appalachian Spring/Fanfare For The Common Man/El Salón México/Danzón Cubano Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Night on Bald Mountain Copland: Appalachian Spring; Rodeo; Fanfare for the Common Man Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf/Saint-Saëns: The Carnival Of The Animals Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Violin Concertos ASIN: B0000025MH Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody in Blue
2. An American in Paris

Customer Reviews:

Gershwin/Bernstein: Rhapsody In Blue and American In Paris.......2007-01-16

In my opinion you just can't go wrong with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. I have many of their recordings in addition to many recordings of other orchestras; some great, some not so much...but the New York Phil is cosistently great. This recording is a superb example of Gershwin's writing, thoughtfully reproduced by a fine orchestra. Both the brashness of the pieces and the subtleties are interpreted well by Mr. Bernstein and the orchestra. The soloists are nothing other than excellent. The brass section is easily as strong as the Chicago symphony's famous section, and the strings intonation is superb. The pathos and the humor of both pieces are readily projected by this sensitive orchestra and conductor. I couldn't recommend this recording higher!

A glorious tribute!.......2006-11-22

To play Gershwin accurately demands from the player, the absolute domain of an invisible taste, unsaid in the score. Few pianists (and Bernstein is among them) were able to convey the listener, this savoir vivre, humor, elegance, that idiomatic atmosphere that plainly justifies your effort.

To my mind, there just have been five pianists who have surmounted this peak: Oscar Levant, Jesus Maria Sanroma, Eugene List, Earl Wild and Leonard Bernstein.

So, under any pretext you should miss this invaluable musical gem.

A Truly Great Performance.......2006-08-19

I originally found this record in a used record store and purchased it for $1. This was not too long ago. After listening, i could not believe that this record only cost me $1 and that some idiot actually sold this to a used record store without listening first. I have never heard a performace of Rhapsody In Blue that is as powerful and heartfelt as this one. Bernstain melts into the piano, resulting in a performance that outshines so many Gershwin performances that exist. On the other side of the record is An American In Paris, a textbook tone poem, and i mean this as a great compliment. The images of Paris and a partially homesick/partially jubilant American strolling along exude from every note. When i found these great performances on CD, i snatched up a copy as quickly as i could. GET THIS RECORD. It is truly a Great Performance.

GLORIOUS!.......2006-07-21

This review refers to "Great Performances: Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue/An American In Paris"(CD)

Well, how can you go wrong when Leonard Bernstein, with the help of the Columbia Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, conducts(and performs brilliantly on piano)these two George Gershwin greats.You just can't. Even the quality of the CD is excellent.

Rhapsody will carry you away to some other place for a while. From that very first bluesy note, Bernstein and Orchestra will have you wrapped up in all it's jazzy glory. It's music that defines the word greatness and it's THE song I would pick (if I could only pick one) that exemplifies the masterfulness of American composers.

An American In Paris is wonderful. The feeling of a tourist on the loose in Paris is expertly portrayed through this recording. The highs, the lows and all the delights. I felt a part of it all(and I'm a long way from Paris!)

Now, if you have read any of my other CD reviews, you know that right about here is where I complain ,and sometimes even take a star off of my rating, when a CD is too short(considering how easy it is to get music elsewhere these days). But I have to say, even though the total time on this CD is only about 35 minutes, what a glorious 35 minutes it is.
Rhapsody a wonderful 16:26 and American In Paris a Yummy 18:22.
It's music that never gets old. It stands the test of time, and many repeated playings.

So you may want to keep a copy of this in your car. A great way to start your day. Listen on the way to work, and you'll have that "what? me worry?" attitude. Also fabulous for destressing on the way home from a long days work.It just seems to make everything okay.

As I said the CD has a nice quality. It also has a booklet with some notes on how Gershwin came to compose these songs.

Gershwin performed by Bernstein..it was meant to be!
Enjoy it...Laurie

The Definitive Version and Good Sound Quality!.......2006-06-06

This ADD recording has surprisingly good sound quality for an older recording that hasn't been remastered. The performance by Bernstein and both the Columbia Symphonic and the NY Philharmonic on the pieces is simply breathtaking. You'd be hard pressed to find better interpretations of these Gershwin masterpieces. The only problem with this album is that it's very short and although would have been the perfect length on an lp or cassette as it was originally, it seems to be a waste of cd space here. Sony should probably remaster this and add some tracks like perhaps "Porgy and Bess" to make it a better value proposition. I hope they re-release a remastered version on mini-lp sleeve replica packaging too.

Average customer rating: Ultimate music for every time of day and every mood Would give 5 stars if sound quality where better Great collection for a great price 20 Fabulous Discs

Rhapsody in Blue - Ultimate Piano Collection [20 CD Set] Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Clementi | Clementi, Muzio | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liszt | Liszt, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Paisiello | Paisiello, Giovanni | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rubinstein | Rubinstein, Anton | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Impromptus | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Nocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Airs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set] Rendezvous of Angels - Concert Collection [20 CD Set] Little Night Music - Ultimate Mozart Collection [20 CD Set] Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set] Classical Evolution: Spanish Guitar Music ASIN: B00012QLSW Release Date: 2003-12-09

Tracks:

1. Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
2. Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
3. Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 1 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
4. Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
5. Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
6. Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 4 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
7. Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
8. Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
9. Concerto for Piano, Strings and Continuo No. 5 in a Minor BWV ... - Dora Milanova, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
10. Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
11. Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
12. Concerto for Two Pianos, Strings and Continuo in C Major BWV 1061: ... - Julia Ganev, Konstantin Ganev, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Allegro - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
2. Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Andante - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
3. Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K.467 Elvira Madigan: Andante ... - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
4. Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Allegro - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
5. Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Andante - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
6. Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K.453: Allegretto - Vilmos Fischer, Vienna Mozart Ensemble

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Andante Grazioso: Thema/Variation 1 - Margarete Babinsky
2. Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Menuetto - Margarete Babinsky
3. Piano Sonata in a Major K.331: Alla Turca (Allegretto) - Margarete Babinsky
4. Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Allegro - Margarete Babinsky
5. Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Adagio - Margarete Babinsky
6. Piano Sonata in F Major K.332: Allegro Assai - Margarete Babinsky
7. Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Allegro Moderato - Margarete Babinsky
8. Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Andante Cantabile - Margarete Babinsky
9. Piano Sonata in C Major K.330: Allegretto - Margarete Babinsky
10. 12 Variations K.265: Ah, Vous Dirai-Je, Maman: Theme/Variation ... - Margarete Babinsky

Tracks:

1. Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
2. Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Larghetto - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
3. Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Rondo - Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Maria Luisa Tanzini
4. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Allegro Moderato - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
5. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Adagio Cantabile - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
6. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Major: Rondo - Presto - Nicolai Evrov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
7. Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro Con Spirito - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
8. Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Adagio E Cantabile - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble
9. Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra: Presto - Ivan Drenikov, Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble

Tracks:

1. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
3. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 Emperor: - Anton Dikov, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
4. Overture Coriolan Op.62 - Dresdner Philharmonic
5. Overture Leonore No.2, Op.72 - Dresdner Philharmonic

Tracks:

1. Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Grave - Allegro - Di Molto E ... - Istvan Szekely
2. Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Adagio Cantabile - Istvan Szekely
3. Op.13, No. 8 in C Minor Pathetique: Rondo - Allegro - Istvan Szekely
4. Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Adagio Sostenuto - Istvan Szekely
5. Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Allegretto - Istvan Szekely
6. Op.27, No. 14 in C Sharp Minor Moonlight: Presto Agitato - Istvan Szekely
7. Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Allegro Assai - Istvan Szekely
8. Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Andante Con Moto - Istvan Szekely
9. Op.57, No. 23 in F Minor Appassionata: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Presto - Istvan Szekely
10. Rondo a Capriccio Op.129: Die Wut er Den Verlorenen - Jennd

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Allegro Maestoso - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
2. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Romanze. Larghetto - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
3. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op.11: Rondo. Vivace - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Sandor Falvai
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Maestoso - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland
5. Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Larghetto - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland
6. Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21: Allegro Vivace - Adam Harasiewicz, Warsaw Philharmonic National Orchestra Of Poland

Tracks:

1. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Grave - Doppio Movimento [Liv - Ivo Pogoreuch
2. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Scherzo [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
3. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Marche Fune. Lento [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
4. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op.35: Finale. Presto [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
5. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Allegro Maestoso [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
6. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Molto Vivace [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
7. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Largo [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
8. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op.58: Presto Ma Non Tanto [Live] - Garrick Ohlsson
9. Mazurkas Op.59: No. 1 in a Minor [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
10. Mazurkas Op.59: No. 2 in a Flat [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch
11. Mazurkas Op.59: No. 3 in F Sharp [Live] - Ivo Pogoreuch

Tracks:

1. Nocturne in B Major Op.9, No. 3 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
2. Etude in G Flat Major Op.10, No. 5 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
3. Etude in B Minor Op.25, No. 1 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
4. Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor Op. 20 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
5. Scherzo No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op. 31 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
6. Waltz No. 1 in E Flat Major Op. 18 [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
7. Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 1 in G Minor [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
8. Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 2 in C Major [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
9. Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 3 in a Flat Major [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
10. Four Mazurkas Op.24: No. 4 in B Flat Minor [Live] - Jean Marc Luisada
11. Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 1 in C Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic
12. Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 2 in B Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic
13. Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 3 in D Flat Major [Live] - Kemal Gekic
14. Four Mazurkas Op.30: No. 4 in C Sharp Minor [Live] - Kemal Gekic

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Allegro Affettuoso - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
2. Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Intermezzo. Andantino Grazioso - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
3. Piano Concerto in a Minor Op.54: Allegro Vivace - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
4. Introduction and Allegro Appassionato Op.92 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman
5. Concerto Allegro With Introduction Op.134 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Heidrun Holtman

Tracks:

1. Rustle of Spring Op.32, No.6 - Jennd
2. Novelette in F Major Op.21, No.1 - Jennd
3. Songs Without Words: E Major Op.19, No.1 - Jennd
4. Songs Without Words: F Sharp Minor Op.30, No.6 - Jennd
5. Songs Without Words: Duetto in F Major Op.38, No.6 - Jennd
6. Songs Without Words: G Major Op.62, No.1 - Jennd
7. Songs Without Words: Spring Song in a Major Op.62, No.6 - Jennd
8. Intermezzo in a Major, Op.76, No.6 - Jennd
9. Intermezzo in a Minor Op.76, No.7 - Jennd
10. Intermezzo in a Major Op.118, No.2 - Jennd
11. Intermezzo in E Flat Minor Op.118, No.6 - Jennd
12. Lyric Pieces: Arietta Op.12, No.1 - Jennd
13. Lyric Pieces: Folkevise Op.12, No.5 - Jennd
14. Lyric Pieces: Butterfly Op.43, No.1 - Jennd
15. Lyric Pieces: To Spring Op.43, No.6 - Jennd
16. Lyric Pieces: Notturno Op.54, No.4 - Jennd
17. Lyric Pieces: Bryllupsdag Pa Troldhaugen Op.65, No.6 - Jennd
18. Saisons Op.37b, No. 6 Juin Barcarolle - Jennd
19. Chant Sans Paroles: Souvenir de Hapsal Op.2, No.3 - Jennd
20. Melody in F Op.3, No.1 - Jennd
21. Humoresque in G Flat Major Op.101, No.7 - Jennd

Tracks:

1. Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Theme: Andante - Jennd
2. Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 1 - Jennd
3. Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 2 - Jennd
4. Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 3 - Jennd
5. Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 4 - Jennd
6. Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Variation 5 - Jennd
7. Impromptu in B Flat Major D.935, No.3: Pito - Jennd
8. 6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 1 in C Major - Jennd
9. 6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 2 in a Flat Major - Jennd
10. 6 Moments Musicaux D.780: No. 6 in F Minor - Jennd
11. 4 Impromptus D.899: No. 1 in C Minor - Jennd
12. 4 Impromptus D.899: No. 2 in E Flat Major - Jennd
13. 4 Impromptus D.899: No. 3 in G Flat Major - Jennd
14. 4 Impromptus D.899: No. 4 in a Flat Major - Jennd

Tracks:

1. Sonata in a Major D.959: Allegro - Michael Endres
2. Sonata in a Major D.959: Andantino - Michael Endres
3. Sonata in a Major D.959: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Michael Endres
4. Sonata in a Major D.959: Rondo: Allegretto - Michael Endres
5. Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Molto Moderato - Michael Endres
6. Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Andante Sostenuto - Michael Endres
7. Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace - Michael Endres
8. Sonata in B Flat Major D.960: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Michael Endres

Tracks:

1. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
2. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
3. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in B Flat Minor Op.23: ... - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennd
4. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Allegro Molto ... - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
5. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Adagio - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
6. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Op.16: Allegro Molto E ... - Daniel Gerard, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Non Troppo - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Appassionato - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
3. Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Andante - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major Op.83: Allegro Giocoso - Dimitris Sgouros, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Adagio ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Agitato ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
3. Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Moderato - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Deciso - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
5. Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Marziale, Un ... - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
6. Piano Concerto No. 2 in a Major Hungarian Fantasy: Allegro Animato - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
7. Fantasy on Hungarian Folk-Tunes - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
8. Polonaise Brillante (After Weber) - Budapest Symphony Orchestra, Jennd
9. Fantasy on Weber's FreischVilmos Fischer

Tracks:

1. Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro Giusto, Nel Modo ...
2. Pictures at an Exhibition: Gnomus. Sempre Vivo
3. Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato Commodo Assai E Con ...
4. Pictures at an Exhibition: Il Vechhio Castello (The Old Castle) . ...
5. Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato Non Tanto, Pesamente
6. Pictures at an Exhibition: Tuileries. Allegretto Non Troppo, ...
7. Pictures at an Exhibition: Bydlo. Sempre Moderato, Pesante
8. Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Tranquillo
9. Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet of the Chickens in Their Shells. ...
10. Pictures at an Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle. ...
11. Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro Giusto, Nel Modo ...
12. Pictures at an Exhibition: Limoges. Le MarchThe Market Place) . ...
13. Pictures at an Exhibition: Catacombae. Sepulcrum Romanum. Largo
14. Pictures at an Exhibition: Cum Mortuis in Lingua Mortua. Adante ...
15. Pictures at an Exhibition: The Hut on Fowls' Legs - Baba-Yaga. Allegro
16. Pictures at an Exhibition: The Great Gate of Kiev - Allegro Alla ...
17. Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in E Flat Major. Andante Moderato
18. Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in B Flat Minor. Andante Non ...
19. Three Intermezzos Op.117: Intermezzo in C Sharp Minor. Andante Con ...
20. Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 1 Intermezzo in a Minor (Allegro Non Assai)
21. Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 2 Intermezzo in a Major (Andante Teneramente)
22. Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 3 Ballad in G Minor (Allegro Energico)
23. Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 4 Intermezzo in F Minor (Andante - Allegretto
24. Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 5 Romance in F Major (Andante - ...)
25. Piano Pieces Op.118: No. 6 Intermezzo in E Flat Minor (Andante, ...)

Tracks:

1. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Moderato - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
2. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Adagio ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
3. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C Minor Op.18: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
4. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
5. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Largo - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov
6. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in G Minor Op.40: Allegro ... - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Drenikov

Tracks:

1. Prde Op.3, No.2 - Margarete Babinsky
2. Mdie Op.3, No.3 - Margarete Babinsky
3. Polichinelle Op.3, No.4 - Margarete Babinsky
4. Moment Musical Op.16, No.3 - Margarete Babinsky
5. Moment Musical Op.16, No.5 - Margarete Babinsky
6. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op.42 - Margarete Babinsky
7. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
8. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
9. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
10. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
11. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
12. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
13. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
14. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
15. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
16. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
17. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
18. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
19. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
20. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
21. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
22. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
23. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
24. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
25. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
26. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
27. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
28. Variations on a Theme by Corelli Op. 42 (Continued) - Margarete Babinsky
29. Prde Op.23, No.5 - Margarete Babinsky

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody in Blue - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
2. Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
3. Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Adagio. Andante Con Moto - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
4. Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: Allegro Agitato - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart
5. American in Paris - Cle Ousset, , Radio Symphony Orchestra of Stuttgart

Album Description

This amazing 20-CD set truly is the ultimate piano collection! With over 20 hours of the greatest piano classics, from Mozart's priceless Piano Concertos and Sonatas to Gershwin's legendary Rhapsody in Blue, this set is a must have for everyone's collection. So sit back, relax and drift away on the beautiful melodic waves of classical piano at its very best.

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate music for every time of day and every mood.......2007-07-03

With 20 CDs in the collection, we have classical music for every mood and atime of day.

Would give 5 stars if sound quality where better.......2007-06-30

This Classical collection is one of great length and breadth ,and is well worth purchasing ,if you want an abundance of music at a low price.The sound quality is decent,however it is not great.This set will not provide you with the crisp,clear sound quality of a RCA,CBS or other well known label,so some classical aficionados may not appreciate it much.It all depends on what your looking for ,I guess.

Great collection for a great price.......2007-06-27

I did not expect much in buying this collection, but I was greatly surpeised. There were no reviews of the product at the time, and I bought the collection simply as a sampler of many great piano pieces. Most of the recordings are exquisite and of decent recording quality. This collection was well worth the price.

20 Fabulous Discs.......2007-06-08

I am surprised that this set has been out for 4 years and nobody reviewed it here yet. This is a lovely and occasionally amazing compilation. I was moved by many of the compositions. I really enhanced my classical music collection with this set. You have so many legends here to enjoy, from Bach to Brahms, Mozart to Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Gershwin, and more. If you love classical piano music and don't already have most of these works then this is a must buy for you. The price may go up, but I was fortunate to cash in on the $17.97 price. Quite a bargain for 20 fabulous discs.

Average customer rating: Wonderfully American A Gersh-winner Interesting... but I think I'd prefer a good Gershwin interpreter Gershwin's playing overated The jazzy Gershwin. What a CD!!!!!!!

Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Tin Pan Alley | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Traditional | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls, Vol. 2 Essential George Gershwin Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris Levant Plays Gershwin George Gershwin: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000005J1I Release Date: 1993-11-09

Tracks:

1. Sweet And Lowdown
2. Novelette In Fourths
3. That Certain Feeling
4. So Am I
5. Rhapsody In Blue
6. Swanee
7. When You Want 'Em, You Can't Get 'Em...
8. Kickin' The Clouds Away
9. Idol Dreams
10. On My Mind The Whole Night Long
11. Scandal Walk
12. An American In Paris

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully American.......2007-05-14

I've had a copy of this CD for years and love it. The power and optimism of the music is really quite remarkable... regardless of who or what is actually playing here. The arrangement of Swanee is light but rich with major chord trains like you just want to go marching around the room. And American In Paris leads you on a swaying, dischordy journey the deeper you go, as the narrative begins to trade delicacy for passion. (and I love renditions where you can hear the MUSIC and the instruments don't get in the way, like four-voice midi versions of Bach which reveal the eloquence).

When I listen to this CD now, and which is most surpring to me, I hear a profound pride in America - back "before." I play it when I have people over and we put burgers on the grill. This CD is the song of sitting in my back yard with the clouds blowing by and for the moment things feel OK.

"Before" - OK, there is no old perfect Amercia; but I'm thinking of the time before we learned to distill petroleum into toxic pollution, before pride meant vanity and thuggery, before hate-filled invective became public amusement, and before presidents went to war because it was good for business.

A Gersh-winner.......2007-01-07

George Gershwin had a long association with the mechanical device known as the player piano. At the age of ten, Gershwin used a neighbor's pianola to teach himself how to play, by very slowly pumping the foot pedal that advanced the hole-punched rolls, and placing his fingers on the depressed keys. His parents were so impressed by his abilities they enrolled the boy in formal piano studies when he turned 13. Thus, an American genius was born.

The existing films of Gershwin (who died of a brain tumor at age 38 in 1937) show him to be a virtuoso at his instrument. His 1924 acoustic recording of Rhapsody In Blue (with the Paul Whiteman orchestra) is further evidence of this. But no film or recording has what is contained within the album GERSHWIN PLAYS GERSHWIN: THE PIANO ROLLS, and that is-- full fidelity range.

The CD comes in a standard jewel case packaged in a heavy paper slipcover. Biographical liner notes are included along with details on the rolls. The earliest performance in this set is from 1916, made when Gershwin was an 18-year-old song plugger. My favorites here are "Swanee," from 1920, and "An American In Paris," from 1933, which is undoubtedly one of the last significant piano rolls ever made.

Gershwin's dynamic performances are not in the least obscured by the few extra notes added to the piano rolls (such practice was standard in those days). Listening to these recordings is like sitting next to this brilliant man, observing his fingers fly over the keys as he plays some of his best work.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 60:36

Interesting... but I think I'd prefer a good Gershwin interpreter.......2006-05-14

Composers are not necessarily the best performers of their own work. A songwriter's songwriter like Jules Shear or Jimmy Webb comes to mind -- surely the best representations of their songs are on other artist's albums.

This album is charming in its own way -- a taste of the music and performance style of a bygone era. Someone complained that these rolls were edited. So what? I'm going to review the final product, now how it was made. Do you eat sausage? Ask not what's in it!

I like to listen to this CD in short bits -- a few songs at a time. For some reason I find it to be fatiguing if I listen for more than 20 minutes or so. I'm not absolutely sure why this is so. Possibly the meter is just a little too metronomic on many of the songs. This lends a "mechanical" quality to the performances.

Additionally, I felt that the dynamic range was restricted. The music does get louder and softer, because of the piano rolls themselves and because of the computer programming used to read the piano rolls -- the dynamics were deliberately adjusted by the record producers in some spots, if I read the liner notes correctly. And yet. And yet. Still these songs do not dynamically "breathe" fully in and out the way they ought to. I find this disappointing, but I think it has something to do with inherent limitations in piano roll recording technique. I'm guessing.

Taken for what it is, it is an interesting concept, and the sound quality is very pleasant. The performances are very good for piano rolls, but fall short of what a good interpreter could do. Take, for example, the Rhapsody in Blue from Woody Allen's Manhattan soundtrack. Listen specifically to the piano part -- the dynamics and variations in rhythm. This is not by any means the best performance of Rhapsody, but it is better than the Gershwin rolls.

Gershwin's playing overated.......2006-04-09

After I heard this cd I bought Gershwin plays Gershwin on the naxos label which arn't piano rolls. Any pianist can tell that many of these rolls are heavily edited and can't be played by a pianists with two hands. On the naxos album that has some of these same songs Gershwin's actual playing doesn't sound very good. Many of Gershwins contempories such as James P. Johnson, Eubie Blake, Luckey Roberts and even Zez Confrey were much better pianists than he was, however they didn't have his melodic gifts as a composer. I would recommend Artis Whodhouse's
transcriptions of Jelly Roll Morton's piano rolls (on the same label) instead because most of those are exactly how he played them and in my opinion Morton was a better musician in every way than Gershwin.

The jazzy Gershwin. What a CD!!!!!!!.......2006-02-23

I got this CD as a gift. I am all for the austrogerman post- romantic music and as imagined Gershwin is not my favourite composer. I know him from his best known works such as the 'Rhapsody", the 'American' and his great songs. This CD is a treasure as mentioned from other reviewers of this site. Gershwin full of passion, his music being jazzy to the very end and that great feeling you get after a great live performance is present all over the length of this 'treasure'. No question about the presence of the music. Not to be missed

Average customer rating: As good as any Rhapsody Good intro to Gershwin - Great gift Outstanding performance and sound engineering The Finest Recordings of These Four Selections Gershewin is the Master of Mixing Jazz and Big Band

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue/Cuban Overture/Porgy and Bess Suite/An American in Paris Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Levine, James | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Levant Plays Gershwin Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO The Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls, Vol. 2 Essential George Gershwin ASIN: B000001GEK Release Date: 1993-06-15

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody In Blue
2. Cuban Overture
3. 'Porgy and Bess' Suite
4. An American In Paris

Customer Reviews:

As good as any Rhapsody.......2006-11-11

I've also got Bernstein and Wild and this Rhapsody is as good as any of them. But the real reason to buy this recording is for the couplings--which are far better than the rest. The Cuban Overture absolutely ROCKS.

Everybody gives you "American in Paris" with the Rhapsody, but, come on, Porgy & Bess AND the Cuban Overture vs. Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite or the Piano Concerto in C? No contest!

Good intro to Gershwin - Great gift.......2006-08-05

Bought this CD for our 7-year-old daughter for her birthday. She loves it. Certainly didn't listen to it once and set it aside. She even takes it in the car.

In short, it's a nice performance of some of Gershwin's best work. Very enjoyable.

Outstanding performance and sound engineering.......2005-10-24

I am not a sound engineer but, clearly something was done outstandingly right in the production of this CD. I have listened to this CD on several different stereo systems with the same result: crystal clear sound that gives the impression that the instruments are right in front of you. I would add that I do not have an SACD version of this CD, nor an SACD player, nor a hi-end expensive stereo system. Nevertheless, the sound quality of this CD was noticeably superior to that of the recordings of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and American in Paris that I have with Bernstein and Ormandy conducting. Part of the superior sound quality of this recording is due to its being digital, whereas Bernstein and Ormandy were recorded in analog. However, I have hundreds of other CDs that were recorded digitally and comparatively few have a sound quality that is as fresh, sharp, and, simply put, as outstanding as the one on this CD.

In addition to the freshness and immediacy of the sound, the playing of both the orchestra and of Levine as the piano soloist in Rhapsody in Blue are the best that I have heard amongst my various recordings of this work. I had never heard James Levine as a pianist before, only as a conductor, and was very pleasantly surprised at the excellence of his performance. There is a real joyful dynamic energy on this CD, together with a quality that is not apparent on the other recordings I own of Rhapsody in Blue - a feeling of playfulness, and even humor. I got the distinct feeling as I listened to this CD (several times, and always with great pleasure) that the orchestra and conductor/pianist were thoroughly enjoying themselves. All of the selections on this CD radiate with outstanding musicianship coupled with tremendous energy and love of life. This is one of my desert island CDs. I give it my highest recommendation.

The Finest Recordings of These Four Selections.......2004-03-13

George Gershwin (1898-1937) first made a name for himself as the composer of one memorable popular song after another--songs that have proven remarkably durable and have entered our collective consciousness to become "great standards" by which others are judged. In 1924 he began to leap the gulf between "popular" and "serious" music, and between 1924 and his untimely death in 1937 he created a number of famous works--but although he is regarded as a genius today, it was not so at the time. For then as now, "serious" composers and critics were an insular group, and many considered his fusion of jazz, strong melodic lines, and symphonic treatments at best pretentious, at worst common.

In the wake of Gershwin's untimely death, many of his works underwent a facelift of sorts, with various composers reworking the material in an effort to give it more snob appeal: the original arrangements were touched up, retoned, and in general fiddled with--and today it is almost impossible to find a recording of a Gershwin piece recorded as originally written. But here Chicago Symphony conductor James Levine accomplishes the impossible, restoring four major Gershwin pieces to either original or near-original condition.

The great reason to purchase this CD is "Rhapsody in Blue," which will come as a revelation to listeners accustomed to hearing the piece awash in strings, for here it is returned to all the sharp edged, strident, and jazzy glory of the original 1924 Ferde Grafe arrangement for the Paul Whiteman orchestra. And it is stunning, clean, a true period jewel that is ultimately the definitive musical statement of the Deco era; hearing it performed in this stripped-down original version is akin to seeing a beautiful gemstone purged of a vulgar setting and restored to true brilliance.

Also notable are "Cuban Overture" and "Catfish Row," both of which are performed essentially as Gershwin created them. "Cuban Overture" has never been one of Gershwin's most popular concert pieces--but listening to it here one is hard pressed to know why; certainly less melodic than other Gershwin constructions for orchestra, it is nonetheless a magical thing that combines a sense of ocean and tropical flavors to tremendous effect. "Catfish Row," of course, is drawn from Gershwin's opera "Porgy and Bess"--but should not be confused with the various suites typically heard, for it was actually arranged by George Gershwin himself and offers a pleasing (and to my mind far superior) variation on these oft-heard themes.

Unfortunately, not all of the original arrangements survive. (Liner notes indicate that even "Cuban Overture" is slightly effected in this regard.) The arrangements for "An American in Paris" received an overhaul around 1947; the originals have been lost forever, and it is performed here very much as we are accustomed to hearing it. Still, Levine and company give it tremendous style and substance in execution, and without knowing what the original arrangements were like we would be hard pressed to fault them in the performance.

Whatever the case, when it comes to these four selections, and particularly so re the legendary "Rhapsody in Blue," this is the recording to have. Everything here is flawless--and very often unlike anything you've previously heard when approaching these works. Strongly recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Gershewin is the Master of Mixing Jazz and Big Band.......2001-12-26

Gershwin lived a short life but the pieces he made are marvelous. His fusion of jazz of big band creates a unique sound that is very pleasing. Listening to a Rhapsody in Blue, or An American in Paris always gives the feeling of a big bustling American city in its prime, full of rich color and glamour. Uneven, busy syncopated rythyms by the brass and percussion add the sense of the workaholic society of America during its time. It's the old timely sound to it all that makes Gershwin's so songs irresistable to the ear. Cuban Overture sounds equally robust and majestic, complete with native Cuban percussion, and the "Porgy and Bess" Suite, while operatic and huge in proportion, doesn't stray far from its jazz roots. The Chicago Symphony played the music with gusto and vigor, and James Levine thoughtfully interpreted each piece with the utmost care the way Gershwin had intended it. I highly recommend this piece to anyone with a fine taste in the big band, all-American sound. Of all the music I've heard, Gershwin's music sounds the most American of them all.

Average customer rating: Rhapsody in Blue Album will put a little hop in your steps No posturing...this is 'pure' Gershwin An American in Paris Rhapsody in Blue is the Bomb!!

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris George Gershwin , Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra , and André Previn Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls Essential George Gershwin Ravel: Boléro George Gershwin: Greatest Hits ASIN: B0000040WS Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. 'Rhapsody In Blue'
2. 'An American In Paris': I. Allegretto grazioso
3. 'An American In Paris': II. Andante ma con ritmo deciso
4. Piano Concerto In F: I. Allegro
5. Piano Concerto In F: II. Adagio
6. Piano Concerto In F: III. Allegro agitato

Customer Reviews:

Rhapsody in Blue.......2007-02-25

I absolutely love Gershwin. He was one of the best performers around. No one has come close to him and maybe never will. I began listening to him about two years ago and haven't stopped. I am happy to have come across his music. It absolutely changed my life. When I have a worrysome day or it's one of those rainy, snowy, sleety, don't really need to be out in it weather days, I put on Gerhwin and the day lifts in ways that could not ever be conveyed by words. Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris has proven to be my favorites. However Cuban Overture and other works has influenced me in many ways also. I would love for anyone who has not had the pleasures of Gershwin to sit down on any day and listen to these magnificent works. I'm sure you will be thrilled. I am only twenty three and I have found Gershwin replacing a lot of my other music in my collection. When you have a bad day it's easy to pick up something that identify's with your bad mood. The difference with Gerhswin is that he takes you out of yourself and allows you to picture yourself in Paris or intertwine you in the musical bliss so much so that your bad day or event becomes nonexistant for at least a little bit. Sometimes it's nice to listen to something like that rather than the misery loves company music. I hope people like Michael Finstein and others continue to praise his music because with a lot of the garbage on the radios and videos, it's nice to come back to one of the first creator's of music and soul.

Album will put a little hop in your steps.......2006-03-17

This album will put you in the mood for a little dancing and take you away from the everyday world for a bit. If you are willing to let lose and take yourself away for awhile then this is the album for you

No posturing...this is 'pure' Gershwin.......2005-12-30

I first bought a cassette of this album back in 1985, and have loved it ever since. The reason is simple...unlike Bernstein's ponderous posturing and Fiedler's 'friendly' sound, this sounds like NYC. THAT'S GERSHWIN!

It is dynamic, exciting and robust conducting that the Pittsburgh responded to with 100% brio. When I listen to Rhapsody, I don't have time to criticize Gershwin's lack of 'structure'...because I am swimming in his 'American style' of music that didn't need to cowtow to the dictates of European composers or classicists.
I defy you to listen to the Adagio of "Concerto in F," and not feel yourself at 3 in the morning, walking alone down a silent NYC street, and wondering how you got that way. This is what Gershwin wanted to do...make you feel the things he felt and saw in his life. Previn gets out of the way, and lets Gershwin do the talking.

If you haven't treated yourself to this masterful series of performances, it is time to do so.

An American in Paris.......2005-10-22

Andre Previn conducted this Symphony as they made beautiful music. It was a delight to watch one of my favorites, Gene Kelly, dance to this 'American in Paris,' in a movie long ago. Previn also recorded this and Rhapsody in Blue in which he played the piano while conducting the London Symphony Orchestra in an older recording (his hairstyle is the '70s), which also included the same Gershwin Concerto in F in which he played piano as he did on this recording.

His 'Like Young' got him on the radio, but this kind of music was by far his best achievement. He was a grand conductor, but I never could see what he saw in Mia Farrow (after Frank Sinatra and before Woody Allen). I'm glad he went to Pittsburgh, one of my favorites places , to lose someone.

Rhapsody in Blue is the Bomb!!.......2004-05-08

Rhapsody in Blue is the coolest. Whoever disagrees is sadly mistaken.

Average customer rating: Muffled Somewhat disappointing. Gershwin At His Best in Hearts! The best America has to offer!!

George Gershwin: Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls Essential George Gershwin Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits Debussy's Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002A1T Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

1. Strike Up The Band
2. Rhapsody In Blue
3. Prelude No. 1
4. Piano Concerto In F
5. An American In Paris
6. Prelude No. 3
7. Medley From Porgy And Bess
8. Fascinating Rhythm
9. Lullaby
10. Promenade (Walking the Dog)
11. Cuban Overture

Customer Reviews:

Muffled.......2006-11-03

This is a decent enough recording, but it's not anywhere near the best that I have heard. The Andre Previn/LSO recording is much better mixed; at times it seems like there's a muffle on the mikes, or that you're hearing it from a distance.

If I wanted good, dynamic background music, I'd do this. If I wanted to really listen to the music, I'd pick another version.

Somewhat disappointing........2003-09-10

I bought this for the full-length rendition of Rhapsody in Blue. I found the brass too tinny sounding, and the rhythm off in a few places. I like the snippet of this song on the "Best of the Milleneum" CD much better.

Gershwin At His Best in Hearts!.......2003-03-19

To someone who came along as a teenage boy in the mid-1940's, this CD has the elements of authenticity, even surprise, musical history, highly intense performances, and ways evoking memories of emotional highlights of my Youth. When mediocre orchestra 1st tackled Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" at Smoky Mtn Music Camp we were preparing for Sunday's outdoor Concert. Pianos were played by two friends who've presided Music Dept at Carson-Newman College in East Tennessee. In the Trombone section was a skinny kid with too much hair and too big an ego! When our esteemed conductor began the opening bars the Clarinet Soloist, my close friend Danny Boy slide-up the chromatic scale with fleurish. He later became a NC Doctor! He likely plays clarinet for his own amazement in someone's Dixieland Band!

On this wondrous CD there are historic names like Bernstein, Kostelanez, John Williams and Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductors. Andre Previn, Yo-Yo Ma and Sarah Vaughan as Soloists. I would have a hard time choosing which may be called my favorite! It would depend on the day they are playing in my car... traveling to Columbia Seminary classes or GA Diagnostic Prison for lunch with Chaplain friends! I often sing along with the Rhapsody as I did in 1949 when Oscar Levant soloed with Chattanooga Orch. My very young wife was playing in the first violin section! Still today I am totally wiped out when anyone as intensely romantic as Sarah Vaughan sings "Summertime" or "I Loves You, Porgy!"

Is it not amazingly wondrous that someone could create so much enjoyable music in his short lifetime of 39 years? I never wish to part with this all-time favorite 10-Star Recording!
Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

The best America has to offer!!.......1999-03-09

This is the best collection of his songs i have ever heard. That's probably because it features conductors like John Williams and Micheal Tilson Thomas. My personal favorite is the allegro agitato from the Concerto in F. I have other recordings of this song, but none of them can even come close to matching the excitement of this one.

Average customer rating: WOW!!! Lively and Jazzy Bonding with Gershwin . . . but a subpar Concerto in F Best American in Paris, better than Bernstein

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue; Concerto in F; An American in Paris Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music San Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music San Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Michael Tilson Thomas Performs and Conducts Gershwin Copland: Appalachian Spring; Billy the Kid; Rodeo Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique Bernstein Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, etc ASIN: B0002DD5UM Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody In Blue - Michael Tilson Thomas
2. An American In Paris
3. Allegro
4. Adagio
5. Allegro Agitato

Customer Reviews:

WOW!!!.......2007-03-15

The most exhilirating and sassy Rhapsody in Blue I've ever heard.
Had me smiling all the way through, and the sound is great too.
Gershwin would have approved.

Lively and Jazzy.......2006-11-03

This is a critically acclaimed recording of Rhapsody in Blue and I definitely agree with the critics. The interpretation is crisp and lively and with the small jazz band sound intended by the composer. Sound quality is fantastic, especially the piano solos.

Bonding with Gershwin.......2006-09-24

Gershwin is as American as apple pie or baseball. If you came from the old country, where you grew up on the apple strudel, you may never appreciate the apple pie. The baseball rules you never got. You have never bonded with Gershwin either.
Now you are hopeful that this CD will finally explain Gershwin to you so that you can fully assimilate this piece of Americana.
You will definitely recognize the brilliant sections of this CD, as well as its originality. This is why you are giving it five stars! However, this performance will also challenge your musical thinking and it will frustrate your musical instincts. But who said that education is easy!
You like the poetic, although nervous, "Rhapsody in Blue".
The "American in Paris" is a manic-depressive performance, you feel, with the wild contrasts in tempo. The American is not strolling in Paris, but trying to get the hell out of there! His homesickness is a full-blown depression, in which the tempo comes to a virtual halt. The orchestral fireworks are executed with a super-human nano-second precision. You wish for the smoother, more relaxing, rhythmic edges.
You definitely like Garrick Ohlsson's performance of the piano concerto. He takes a steady tempo and moves nicely. First you feel that the nervous, over-expressive and sometimes too loud orchestra should match Mr. Ohlsson's clean style, but then you find a certain attraction in this yin-yang combination. In some sections violins are standing out too much with their velvety vibrato. Mr. Ohlsson performs beautifully, and you really enjoy this concerto.
You still have a long way to go to completely bond with Mr. Gershwin, but this is a good beginning!

. . . but a subpar Concerto in F.......2006-08-22

I am happy that the other reviewers found what they were looking for in the versions of American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue that appear on this disc. However, those pieces are much recorded and one has many choices. Not so with the Concerto in F, Gershwin's finest and most unfairly neglected classical composition. This is partly due, of course, to the fact that the piece has no big flashy cadenza for the pianist to shine, and so soloists tend to choose other concertos to add to their repertoires. This is a shame because it's a wonderful composition.

Unfortunately, the version recorded here has a terrible fatal flaw in that the horns are so imbalanced that they overwhelm everything in the three big climaxes where the "major seven" theme is played by the full orchestra (twice in the first movement and once in the last movement). The important instruments here are the piano and the strings; the horns should be secondary. Sadly, Thomas has them blasting away as if Mahler were whispering in his ear. Because these climaxes are the crux of the concerto (certainly there are other sweet spots; the sultry and dreamy slow movement and the amazing and surprising syncopation in the finale of the first movement) the overall effect of the piece is ruined.

With due respect to the reviews below, Ohlsson's playing is wooden and Thomas' tempos are akin to metronomic. The playing does not need to be jazzy (this piece is not jazz) but the uptempo sections need to push hard, just as the slow sections need to be constantly pulled back.

For me, the disc was a huge disappointment because there seem to be so few modern recordings of this piece. One might think owning this disc is worth it to have the obviously improved audio quality offered by a modern recording, but I cannot recommend this disc due to the weaknesses of the Concerto in F and the inclusion of the two Gershwin war horses. Now, if the disc included the Second Rhapsody (which was actually orchestrated by Gershwin) it might be worth the investment. As it is, look elsewhere if you are interested in a really good recording of the Concerto in F.

Best American in Paris, better than Bernstein.......2005-01-21

Michael Tilson Thomas is quite possibly the most underrated conductor alive today. His recordings are always astounding in their vision and power. San Francisco, although not the most powerful orchestra around, delivers one of the most convincing and most pleasing sounds today. SFSO is a bit soft on the strings, but the woodwind is marvelous and the brass rivals Chicago. However, it is the level of musicianship that Thomas and SFSO give that is so pleasing. Take, for example, this CD of Gershwin. Thomas and the symphony play these pieces with total conviction, total dedication, total beauty. They treat An American in Paris not like a trivial American showpiece but as a legitimate piece of music. And the result is nothing short of astounding. This digital recording showcases Gershwin's orchestral virtuosity fantastically. Thomas brings light to an often neglected score, allowing the listener in a way to hear An American in Paris for the first time. The brass blast, the winds chirp, the strings sing as the listener is transported to Paris. This recording is much better than Bernstein's, not only in quality of sound, but in musicianship and vision as well.

Garrick Ohlsson's Concerto is just as marvelous. The orchestra is in top form, giving a wonderfully convincing reading of the American Concerto. Ohlsson's playing isn't as jazzy as others, but it is still lively and exciting.

The Rhapsody is presented in its original "big Band" form with Thomas at the keyboard. The New World Symphony gives a wonderful accompaniment to the maestro in this all too neglected rendition of the Rhapsody. Although I do prefer Groffe's orchestral version, this recording is hard to resist! Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Let the Buyer Beware Historical and Pristine "Rhapsody In Blue"

Gershwin Plays Rhapsody in Blue Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Tin Pan Alley | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue/An American In Paris The Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls, Vol. 2 Levant Plays Gershwin Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris ASIN: B000098ZSS Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody In Blue
2. An American In Paris
3. Swanee
4. Walkin' The Dog
5. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
6. Somebody Loves Me
7. Our Love Is Here To Stay
8. S'Wonderful
9. Embraceable You
10. Oh, Lady Be Good

Customer Reviews:

Let the Buyer Beware.......2007-01-12

I do not disagree on any level with the other reviewers of this CD. However, the content is recorded from piano rolls rather than directly from the artist. This fact is not explicitly presented on the web page. Yes, if one clicks on the CD cover photo to get an enlarged image, one can read "First recording 1924 from rare piano rolls" at the bottom in small type. Not everyone will do this however. For this reason alone I only rate this product 3 stars.

Historical and Pristine.......2006-12-22

This compilation of Gershwin selections taken from the piano rolls of the composer offer a perfect introduction to the music of Gershwin, offering a balance between his serious symphonic pieces and his accessible popular songs. Beginning with two of his concert works, "The Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris," the CD just hints at what the composer accomplished in the concert hall and the world of serious music. To my understanding, the "Rhapsody in Blue" was originally performed at a concert titled 'An Experiment in Modern Music' in 1924 at Aeolian Hall in New York. The piece was performed by an orchestra with Paul Whiteman as director, and with the composer at the piano as part of a concert experiment in jazz. The version on this CD is a piano adaptation created by the composer based off of the original symphonic work.

"An American in Paris" is also a concert work that did not achieve the widespread adoration that the Rhapsody has garnered. It was intended by the composer to capture the emotions of a tourist visiting Paris, and was purportedly auto-biographical. It was performed in 1928 at New York's Carnegie Hall with Walter Damrosch conducting the New York Philharmonic. It received mixed reviews at the time but remains a favorite of Gershwin's classical works. Like the "Rhapsody," the version included here is a piano adaptation of the original orchestral work.

The remaining works on the CD are those of a popular composer, the flipside of Gershwin's career. No other American composer (or any for that matter) has strattled these two different fields of music with the success with which George Gershwin did. And the popular songs, among them, "Embraceable You," "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," and "Love is Here to Stay" have achieved enormous pop culture penetration and secure Gershwin's place in history as a master of popular song composition. Notably missing from this CD, however, are Ira Gershwin's contributions, i.e. the words, which add an element important to these songs' true place in history. Along with Ira's contributions come the countless Gershwin vocal interpreters who helped to realize these songs' true significance and their dispersion throughout the American popular music idiom.

On these versions, it is simply Gershwin playing his works (albeit the recordings are taken from his piano rolls, not an actual live recording). In these arrangements, the melodies are incorporated into lush and often convoluted harmonic accompaniment, in which the melody often becomes lost (i.e., the bridge or B section of "Oh, Lady Be Good!"). However, the opportunity to hear the composer express the harmonic possibilities of these disguisingly "simple" American tunes is truly a valuable one. The particular bouncing style with which Gershwin jumps from chord to chord to accompany his melodies is clearly apparent on many of these tunes, and that is an aspect borrowed from Ragtime that contributes to Gershwin being labeled as a uniquely "American" styled composer. The idiosyncracy of his composition and playing are tied together and come to life on this CD. The harmonic statements are sophisticated and evasive to the common ear, and the rhythmic precision and prolificity are legendary. Together with the melody, these elements of the musical composition on which Gershwin demonstrates mastery come together to produce a truly quintessential and essential Gershwin compilation.

"Rhapsody In Blue".......2006-07-12

"This piece (Rhapsody In Blue) seemed to sweep through my mind. It was the heart of America, the feverishness of life, the musical welter of races, of peoples, their joys and their passions, their dissipations and their exaltations." ~ George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 - July 11, 1937) ~

Today, July 11, 2006, marks the 69th death anniversary of one of America's most versatile songwriters, George Gershwin. The birth of one of my favorite jazz-infused-classical pieces, "Rhapsody In Blue" in 1924 made Mr. Gershwin an overnight and sensational star and had gained him a worldwide recognition. He had been my late parents' (and mine, too) favorite composer along with Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and Cole Porter. His harmonious collaboration with his brother, Ira Gershwin, had produced the most beautiful songs of all-time. They were the most prolific team of songwriters and their compositions have been recorded countless times by famous interpreters of Great American Songbook such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Tony Bennett, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Michael Feinstein, Natalie Cole, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, Steve Tyrell, Diana Krall, John Pizzarelli, Michael Bublé and Chris Botti, among many others.

This CD is a musical treasure and one that I would strongly recommend not only to any Gershwin enthusiast but also to any new fan for this includes the original recording of "Rhapsody In Blue" from rare Piano Rolls. The sound quality is just terrific. It highlights two of his major works - "Rhapsody In Blue" (1924) and "An American In Paris" (1928). It also features some of his well-known popular songs and favorites of mine, my parents' theme songs "Our Love Is Here To Stay" and "Embraceable You." It has been said that Mr. Gershwin functioned best and had written his very best compositions at 3 o'clock in the morning and when he finish eight bars that he likes, he can finish a chorus in a few minutes, like the songs "`S Wonderful" and "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off." This recording also includes "Swanee," "Walkin' The Dog," "Somebody Loves Me," and "Oh, Lady Be Good."

It's so amazing that he composed frequently and never run out of inspirations for writing melodic tunes that are so pleasing to the ears. He can write three to five songs in a single afternoon. When he completed the melody of a song, he gives it to Ira to write words to it. He was such a genius and played the piano by ear after a fashion, tapping out the tunes with a finger.

Not known to many, Mr. Gershwin had tried his hand at painting. I've seen a portrait of himself that he painted a year before his death from brain cancer, and I would say, it's a beautiful work of art, almost like a work of a professional painter. He could have been a great painter.

George Gershwin will always be remembered as one of the greatest 20th Century composers and his music will always linger in the hearts of music lovers like me who truly appreciate and enjoy fine music.

Average customer rating: Two Great Gershwin Recordings Gershwin fan Sorry - it's not the best. Two of LB's quintessential recordings Brilliant is the word!

Bernstein Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, etc Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grofé, Ferde | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grofé, Ferde | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bernstein Century - Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, etc / Bernstein, New York PO Bernstein: Candide; West Side Story; On the Waterfront; Fancy Free Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 1 Bach - Mass in B minor / Argenta, Nichols, Chance, Stafford, Milner, W. Evans, Gardiner Tchaikovsky: Concerto No. 1/Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 2 ASIN: B0000029XJ Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody In Blue
2. An American In Paris
3. Grand Canyon Suite: l. Sunrise
4. Grand Canyon Suite: ll. Painted Desert
5. Grand Canyon Suite: lll. On The Trail
6. Grand Canyon Suite: lV. Sunset
7. Grand Canyon Suite: V. Cloudburst

Amazon.com

Back in the 1950s and '60s, when George Gershwin was taken for granted more than he was respected, Leonard Bernstein was one of his only champions in high-classical-music circles, and to judge from these recordings, he got away with a lot. He would seem to be attempting to out-swagger Arthur Fiedler in the jazzier passages, but on the plus side, what can sound freeze-dried with some conductors has a welcome heat here, especially in An American in Paris. That piece receives one of its best-ever recordings and sounds great in the bright, clear recording venue, Brooklyn's Hotel St. George. However, Bernstein's tempo extremes tax the cohesion of Rhapsody in Blue. And Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite receives a sympathetic performance, though the acoustics of the Lincoln Center recording venue are so cavernous and diffuse you'd think it was recorded in the location of the title. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Two Great Gershwin Recordings.......2007-06-27

I first heard the recording of "An American in Paris" on the radio, and I immediately concluded that this was a recording I needed to order. I ordered this CD solely for the recording of "An American in Paris", everything else was a bonus. "An American in Paris" was worth the price of the whole CD, but so is "Rhapsody in Blue", which I believe could easily be the definitive recording of this great work. Grofé's "Grand Canyon Suite" is a pleasant bonus, but not the substance of this recording. I would highly recommend this recording.

Gershwin fan.......2007-04-01

I am, definitely, absolutely and totally sold on Gershwin, so there is no question as to whether this CD is good or not, since it has Gershwin's two "hits", Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris, it is good and enjoyable. I only feel that the Ferde Grofé part, though outstanding, is too overpowering vis-a-vis the Gershwin part. But it is definitely an OK CD, no question about it.

Sorry - it's not the best........2007-03-13

This recording is okay in many respsects...but many people (yours truly) find it lacking in something. Dare I say the interpretation is slightly off?

Sorry - there are better out there.

Two of LB's quintessential recordings.......2007-01-09

This bids fair to be the most famous recording of American music ever made, so it's strange for the Amazon reviewer to condescend to LB's readings of Gerhswin, only to call it one of his best. The more renowned recording is Rhapsody in Blue with Bernstein at the piano and a pickup orchestra--no doubt recruited form the NY Phil.--that's bigger than a jazz band but still lean. (Arthur Fiedler's version, also famous, is far more square.) If anything, the American in Paris recording is better; I can't imagine a more vibrant reading. The orchestration is more symphonic than the Rhapsody, but LB makes sure that the rhythms swing. A ollector could stop and buy no other readings, but the ones by Andre Previn on EMI have updated sound and also come across with jazz spirit. The filler here is Grofe's once-famous Grand Canyon Suite, a negligible piece of fluff with truding donkeys and a thunderstorm. LB does it proud, however; one wonders if he even had to rehearse it--probably not.

Brilliant is the word!.......2006-11-29

No other director in the history has achieved such expression level and plain domain of the idiomatic lexicon of George Gershwin as Bernstein did it. There are two main reason for it, his enormous talent and his condition as pianist.

So, Gershwin may be very grateful because of that because for the posterity , the future newcomers in music will have the chance to analyze, scrutinize and explore all the factors that made possible this testimonial.

Totally recommended.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Syncopation Grrr....boring. Superb performances of lightweight works. The LSO ain't a great jazz ensemble Overrated interpretation/performance

Great Recordings Of The Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, American in Paris / Previn, London SO Andre Previn Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Great Recordings Of The Century - Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Borodin: Polovtsian Dances / Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Michael Tilson Thomas Performs and Conducts Gershwin Great Recordings of the Century: Beethoven "Archduke" Piano Trio and Schubert Piano Trio in B flat Shostakovich: Piano Concertos; 3 Fantastic Dances; 5 Preludes & Fugues, Op. 87 Great Recordings Of The Century - Elgar: Violin Concerto, 'Enigma' Variations / Elgar, Menuhin ASIN: B00000IGWV Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

1. Rhapsody In Blue
2. Rhapsody In Blue: An American In Paris
3. Piano Concerto In F: I. Allegro
4. Piano Concerto In F: II. Adagio - Andante con moto
5. Piano Concerto In F: III. Allegro agitato

Amazon.com

The best Gershwin pianists are able to fuse a solid classical technique with an innate feeling for jazz timekeeping. André Previn is ideal in both respects. He knows that Gershwin's lyrical musings need not be distended, as one might do in a Tchaikovsky or Liszt concerto. Previn also accents syncopated figures without overemphasizing them, or beating them into the ground. On the other hand, Previn can't help monkeying around with the text, but many Gershwin pianists have done worse. The London Philharmonic matches their soloist-conductor in verve and swagger. Fine as the concerted works are, An American in Paris takes the cake in a performance that truly evokes a wide-eyed tourist swept up in the bustle and allure of any vibrant city. The 1971 sonics haven't aged a bit, and EMI's newly minted transfer will please the most exacting audiophile. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Syncopation.......2007-05-21

The sound of this recording is warm, live, and detailed representing the best of EMI. The performance is wonderful and has great syncopation. Kudos to Andre Previn!

Grrr....boring........2004-11-22

Tragically, I was misled by my impression of Andre Previn, plus the Amazon review here, into buying this disc. Too bad - it manages to be boring and without color; wholly unremarkable.

The most important problem is that this is NOT the original "jazz band" version of Rhapsody in Blue - the version originally performed. This is the "monkeyed around with 30 years later" version, and the distinction is important because the jazz band version is smaller (in terms of orchestra size), funner, far jazzier - and it includes the saxophone! This CD, however, has the full orchestra bit, which dulls the fun and removes the edge, and doesn't have the saxophone (which is my second favorite instrument in the Rhapsody after the piano).

The pieces are played without flair and, as one other reviewer put it, unjazzily. Previn's pretty good on the piano, actually, but the LSO doesn't swing like it should. I used to like the Piano Concerto, but now I avoid listening to it and consider it scummy, mildewy, tired, and irritating.

Actually, this disc sent me into an anti-Gershwin mania for some months. I figured the guy was overrated; whereas everyone says he's so much fun, I thought it wasn't any fun at all. 'Tis a good thing I got the James Levine/CSO version - that REALLY swings. It's a barrel of fun. It's the original version of Rhapsody in Blue. And, in DDD, it all sounds a lot better.

Buy Levine - it's just divine;
But avoid this disc - it's boring and uninspired. I don't know what some people seem to see in it.

P.S. Also disappointed with the music selection here. They had 14 minutes left on the CD, but didn't throw in a good Cuban Overture, which is one of the funnest things George ever wrote. Too bad.

This disc just isn't fun.

Superb performances of lightweight works........2004-05-01

George Gershwin remains one of the finest songwriters of the 20th century. As a melodist, he had few peers, and he left a body of work that remains a monument to his talent. In "Porgy and Bess," he created one of the few American operas to find a niche in the repertory, and songs like "Summertime" and "Bess, You is My Woman Now" made "Porgy" a truly great work.

It is when one gets to Gershwin's excursions into orchestral music that problems arise, at least in my opinion. Don't get me wrong--there are many wonderful things about "Rhapsody in Blue," "An American in Paris," and the Piano Concerto in F. At their best, they abound in melodic invention and a swaggering jazzy charm.

Unfortunately, it must be said that they also have a tendency to meander in search of where to go next, and to rely on heavy doses of bombastic horn sforzandos and quick scalar piano runs in place of real ideas or development. For this listener, Gershwin's penchant for compensating for a lack of ideas with noise proves very tiresome, and weighs down the positive qualities of his concert music.

As far as the performances on this disc, you cannot do better than Andre Previn and the LSO. Previn's background as a jazz pianist and Hollywood orchestrator and arranger is ideally suited to the music at hand, and both the pianism and orchestral playing are outstanding. They are, indeed, as good as this music deserves.

The LSO ain't a great jazz ensemble.......2001-10-10

If this is the only rendition of these Gerswhin pieces you've heard, then you'll probably be satisfied; however if you have a copy of Jeffrey Siegel with Leonard Slatkin and the Saint Louis Symphony, then you might be less charmed by Previn's approach and you could well be downright disappointed by some of the orchestral playing, particularly the brass and woodwinds. The sound quality is not ideal either, the piano relentlessly dominant, and the orchestral details indistinct, and despite the very recent remastering there is an edginess to the sound that is unnatural and distracting. For mine, definitely not one of the great recordings of the century.

Overrated interpretation/performance.......2001-09-24

I found Previn's "Rhapsody" a grave disappointment.

The orchestra, particularly the brass, is sloppy and frequently downright inappropriate-- bombastic percussion, weak horns, and so on. As for interpretation, from beginning to finish Previn-- both as conductor and as pianist-- seems perpetually rushed, as though Gershwin's music were merely a means to a higher end. I found this interpretation devoid of profundity in any emotional realm; thoroughly un-groovin' and un-movin'. Don't bother.

Music Review:

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7. Strauss: Music from Vienna, Vol. 1
8. Strauss: Music from Vienna, Vol. 2
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10. Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1/Capriccio Italien

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Flying Dutchman

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? [Import]

Haydée [Enhanced] [Import]

Keepers of The Sign

Eux [Import]

I Know You Got Soul [CD-single] [Import]

Live at Newport

The Definitive Groove Collection