Gershwin: An American In Paris/Cuban Overture/Porgy And Bess Suite

On this CD:

1. An American in Paris, tone poem for orchestra
Composed by George Gershwin
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

2. Cuban Overture
Composed by George Gershwin
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

3. Porgy and Bess, opera suite
Composed by George Gershwin
Performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Eduardo Mata

Gershwin: An American In Paris/Cuban Overture/Porgy And Bess Suite, Music, George Gershwin, Eduardo Mata, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 20th/21st Century Overture, 20th/21st Century Tone Poem/Symphonic Poem, American 20th/21st Century Opera, Classical, Classical Music, Opera, Orchestral
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue/Cuban Overture/Porgy and Bess Suite/An American in Paris
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • 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

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  1. Levant Plays Gershwin
  2. Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls
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  4. The Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls, Vol. 2
  5. 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:

5 out of 5 stars 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!

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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

5 out of 5 stars 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.
Gershwin: Works for Piano & Orchestra
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The best performances at the cheapest price!
  • Great performances, excellent engineering
  • Insipid uninspiring performances; miserable engineering
  • Terrific playing at a bargain price
  • Siegel is amazing
Gershwin: Works for Piano & Orchestra

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Suppe: Overtures: Light Cavalry, etc.; Auber: Overtures

ASIN: B000001K1Z
Release Date: 1992-11-04

Tracks:

  1. Allegro
  2. Andante Con Moto
  3. Allegro Agitato
  4. Lullaby For String Orchestra
  5. Cuban Overture
  6. Second Rhapsody
  7. Promenade

Tracks:

  1. Rhapsody In Blue
  2. 'I Got Rhythm' Variations
  3. Introduction - Act 1, Scene 1
  4. Porgy Sings
  5. Fugue
  6. Hurricane - Act II, Scene 3
  7. Good Mornin', Brother - Act III, Scene 3
  8. An American In Paris

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best performances at the cheapest price!.......2001-08-16

I own many recordings of Gershwin but this inexpensive colection is my favorite! The performances are moving, the recording is excellent, and the whole package cannot be beat for value. Simply a great value!!!

5 out of 5 stars Great performances, excellent engineering.......2001-03-22

I'm confused by the previous reviewer's comments.

The engineering is fine analog, but it isn't "in your face" kind of engineering (a la some older Sony recordings; Bernstein's are some of the worst offenders, although recent remasterings have tamed them somewhat), it isn't brightly lit (ditto a lot of von Karajan's DG recordings), but it's pretty natural. Nothing is spotlit, and sounds the way one would hear it in the concert hall. I would hazard that sound systems have a way of filtering the music. I've found that some of my terribly-engineered, really ancient monophonic recordings sound much better on lesser equipment, while my best engineered recordings sound mediocre on lesser equipment, but wonderful on the high end stuff. And the speakers, and, well, this isn't about equipment. Just second guessing how the impression can be made that the enginnering is poor on this disc.

Powell Symphony Hall, while not the sonic masterpiece that is, for example, New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall (one of the best I've ever been in), is still a wonderful acoustic space, both for listener and player (it's one of those halls where I was able to hear myself play as well as I was the whole orchestra, and you can almost feel your sound being projected into the auditorium). The hall, btw, is gorgeous, graceful, and characterful; much so than the design of Symphony Hall in Chicago (brilliantly finished, btw), or the cavernous feel of the hall in Boston. While some of Slatkin's RCA recordings in Powell recess the sound too much, such is not the case here.

The performances are electrifying, with the exception of the Concerto in F. Even that piece, an awkward attempt on Gershwin's part, has many rewarding aspects, and the performance reveals many of them. Seigel isn't a "polished" pianist--I'd never be interested hearing him play Mozart based on these performances--but here his style (or the style he has captured) is just right.

These are classics in the Gramophone. Not that the critical consensus (well, as consensual as it ever gets) is always correct, but I agree with them.

1 out of 5 stars Insipid uninspiring performances; miserable engineering.......2000-12-07

If only 0 stars were an option!

I found these interpretations of Gershwin lacking; both in the orchestra and piano. None of the performances reached out and pulled me in, they left me wondering what anyone could possibly hear in Gershwin. Thankfully I own several recordings which do not leave me feeling that way! Specificaly in the Rapsody in Blue: Mr. Siegel does not demonstrate a command of the piece; more than once I wondered if he was practicing the piece instead of performing it, as his approach was tenative at best. Mr. Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony rendered the piece with a lush/loose orchestral feel that just does not feel right.

The sound engineering is wanting in all of these performances; the balance between orchestra and piano is poorly maintained throughout. I found the piano lost in sections where a balance between forces is called for. Exchanges between piano and various instruments routinely found one or the other anoyingly out of balance. Nothing in the notes describes the recording process, but from the instances of voice dropout I would hazard to guess that two micropones were placed in the worst seats available in Powell Symphony Hall with the subsequent recordings transfered directly to disc with no review or attempt at editing. What an engineering travesty!

Overall I was glad when the CD's were done. I pulled out other recordings and played numerous tracks back to back to see if I had missed something. I had not! All around the performances are insipid and uninspiring, and I can usually find something redeeming in just about everything to which I give a listen.

If you want an inspired performance of Rhapsody in Blue that will reach out and grab you from the opening wail of the clarinet to the closing orchestral chord, get the recording made by Michael Tilson Thomas and the LA Philharmonic. Unfortunately, he did not record all the orchestral pieces you find in this recording.

5 out of 5 stars Terrific playing at a bargain price.......2000-05-29

This is a terrific collection of Gershwin's orchestral music, including all of his works for piano and orchestra, all at a bargain price. Jeffrey Siegel's piano playing is great, as is Leonard Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. For the bargain hunter in search of Gershwin, this is the set to buy.

5 out of 5 stars Siegel is amazing.......2000-04-17

I have been privileged to listen to Jeffrey Siegel's Keyboard Conversations in Fairfax, VA for many years. I heard him play some Gershwin during one performance, and I had to buy this CD. If you like Gershwin, if you like great piano, if you like music, this is a CD that belongs in your collection
Authentic George Gershwin, Vol. 1-4
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent performer
  • A unique project
  • Gershwin historical, manic, perfect, archival
  • Definative
Authentic George Gershwin, Vol. 1-4

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. George Gershwin: His Life and Work

ASIN: B0001Z2RSC
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

  1. Swanee
  2. Come To the Moon
  3. I Was So Young (You Were So Beautiful)
  4. Tee-Oodle-Um-bum-Bo
  5. Nobody But You
  6. Limehouse Nights
  7. Drifting Along With The Tide
  8. Rhapsody In Blue
  9. Oh Lady Be Good!
  10. Fascinating Rhythm
  11. Hang On To Me
  12. I'd Rather Charleston
  13. The Man I Love
  14. The Half Of It, Dearie, Blues
  15. So Am I
  16. Kickin' The Clouds Away
  17. Concerto In F

Tracks:

  1. Sweet And Low-Down (I)
  2. That Certain Feeling (I)
  3. Looking For A Boy
  4. When Do We Dance?
  5. Sweet And Low-Down (II)
  6. That Certain Feeling (II)
  7. Irish Waltz
  8. Do, Do, Do
  9. Someone To Watch Over Me
  10. Clap Yo' Hands
  11. Maybe
  12. Three Preludes: I. No.1: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso / II. No.2: Andante Con Moto / III No.3: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso
  13. Meadow Serenade
  14. My One And Only
  15. 'S Wonderful/Funny Face
  16. He Loves And She Loves
  17. An American In Paris
  18. Liza
  19. Strike Up The Band
  20. Embraceable You
  21. I Got Rhythm (I)
  22. I Got Rhythm (II)

Tracks:

  1. Of Thee I Sing
  2. Jilted
  3. Second Rhapsody
  4. For You, For Me, For Evermore
  5. Cuban Overture
  6. Isn't It A Pity?
  7. Variations On 'I Got Rhythm'
  8. I. Catfish Row: Introduction - Jazzbo Brown - First Chorus, 'Summertime'
  9. II. Porgy Sings: 'I got Plenty O' Nuthin' - 'Bess, You Is My Woman Now'
  10. III. Fugue: Murder Of Crown, Act III Scene 1
  11. IV. Hurricane: Introduction, Act II Scene 3 - Hurricane, Act II Scene 3
  12. V. Good Morning, Brother: Occupational Humoresque, Act III Scene 3 - 'Good Morning, Brother' - Children's Song 'Sure To Go To Heaven' - 'I'm On My Way' (Finale)
  13. They Can't Take That Away From Me
  14. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
  15. Our Love Is Here To Stay

Tracks:

  1. Girl Crazy Overture
  2. French Ballet Class
  3. Dance Of The Waves
  4. Slap That Bass
  5. Walking The Dog
  6. I've Got Beginner's Luck
  7. They All Laughed
  8. They Can't Take That Away From Me
  9. Shall We Dance
  10. By Strauss
  11. I Can't Be Bothered Now
  12. The Jolly Tar And The Milkmaid (1st Version)
  13. Put Me To The Test
  14. The Jolly Tar And The Milkmaid (2nd Version)
  15. Stiff Upper Lip
  16. A Foggy day (In London Town)
  17. Nice Work If You Can Get It
  18. Things Are Looking Up
  19. I Was Doing All Right
  20. Love Walked In

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent performer.......2007-03-09

This plates are wonderful. I was charmed, and when I close my eyes now, I see scenes with American in Paris or Porgy and Bess but my favorite piece of music is Rhapsody in Blue. It's more than excellent is fantastic. Jack Gibbons perfectly feels the unique tone Gershwin's music, the mixture rythms of jazz with influences of impressionists and clear and beauty melodies.
I'm fascinating.

5 out of 5 stars A unique project.......2006-11-23

Gibbons' undertaking is unique: to reconstruct and then execute and record the note-for-note playing of Gershwin as documented on the composers' piano rolls, sound recordings and certain published arrangements. I agree with the reviewer who points out that the result is like a library and not a recital you sit back and listen to (or get up and dance to). In fact Gibbons does some editing of his "library" now and then, and clearly documents it in his liner notes: in some reconstructions he augments accompaniment effects and even the melodic line itself. I don't mind that at all, especially as Gibbons scrupulously accounts for such tampering in his liner notes; but it seems to me that it is in this area of "tampering" that Gibbons the artist is asserting himself...which of course undermines the "library", the "historical archive": you have to search and read a bit to find out when you're hearing only Gershwin and when you're hearing some added Gibbons. I don't mind; Gibbons is a remarkable artist in his own right, not merely an impeccable documentarian. For sheer generosity of production Gibbons' Gershwin must also be unique: 4 cd's, scholar-level liner notes (yes, you need a magnifying glass to read them), and rock-bottom bargain price.

5 out of 5 stars Gershwin historical, manic, perfect, archival.......2006-06-12

First: this is 4 high-end produced cd's (in low-end jewel cases) for the price of 2. The liner notes of all 4 cd's are condensed in a booklet of microscopic print, so you may need to spend the savings on a magnifying glass. MONEY WELL SPENT.
Second: Jack Gibbons plays (and has recorded) the Alkan op 39 etudes (he probably plays a lot more Alkan than that). For those of you not in the know, this is to say he has world-class chops, indeed history-class (Liszt, who never played his friend Alkan, at least in public). But it's also to say that Gibbons knows how to interpret and personalize fantastically difficult piano music. For me, his Alkan op 39 is personal and passionate and real (contrast the facile and over-pedalled Hamelin and the just-the-notes-ma'me Ringeissen). An appreciation of Gibbons' Alkan is important here because while his Alkan is uniquely personal (as such music must be, no matter how hard it is to play) his Gershwin is deliberately impersonal...which is to say: no pianist, no singer would want to reproduce what Gibbons has given us in these 4 cd's, and in fact few listeners will be able to listen for long to these 4 cd's without a respite, a break , some silence, some minimal styling from somebody (anybody) else...which brings me to
Third: This is an archive, not a recital. This is a library, not a program. There is no track-by-track contrast of moods here, no track-by-track concession to easy listening, varied delight, any more than a library shelf of novels is alphabetized by authors' last names as a concession to mood or fancy or taste of the searching patron. This is the documented Gershwin in his recording mode: manic, notey, clever, "on", and never, as generations of stylists found in him, ravishing, tender, longing, sweet, glad, hopeful...person-to-person, in a word. I can listen to these cd's about half an hour at a time, max. This is Gerwhsin, not Gibbons. And this is just one side of Gershwin. He died at 38, in the summer. Brain tumor. A lot of pain.
Finally, Jack Gibbons has given the world a uniquely valuable and easily available resource. Gibbons could now do us a service by playing us some Gershwin as he feels it, as it hits him and makes him sing (as Gershwin, our American Schubert, does to all of us, and as I think Alkan has done to Gibbons). I would love to see a Gershwin stylings by Gibbons now that Gibbons himself has made sure Gershwin in his authenticity is safe and sound.

5 out of 5 stars Definative.......2005-07-23

Here's the whole Gershwin catalog at a great price... Five plus hours of bliss. Definately five stars!

Gibbons, according to a family friend and biographer Edward jablonski "recreates Gershwin's style." I'll never know. I can say this is a lively recording and has the perfect balance. It's neither stuffy and plodding or cute.
George Gershwin: The Complete Orchestra Collection
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Low recording volume spoils an otherwise good CD
  • A Wonderful Collection
George Gershwin: The Complete Orchestra Collection

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. American Piano Classics
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  4. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

ASIN: B000007OMB
Release Date: 1998-05-26

Tracks:

  1. Rhapsody In Blue - William Tritt
  2. Second Rhapsody For Piano And Orchestra - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
  3. I. Allegro - William Tritt
  4. II. Adagio/Andante Con Moto - William Tritt
  5. III. Allegro Agitato - William Tritt
  6. Variations On 'I Got Rhythm' - William Tritt
  7. Rialto Ripples Rag - William Tritt

Tracks:

  1. An American In Paris - Erich Kunzel
  2. Cuban Overture - Erich Kunzel
  3. Lullaby - Erich Kunzel
  4. Walking The Dog - Erich Kunzel
  5. Mexican Dance - Erich Kunzel
  6. I. Catfish Row - Erich Kunzel
  7. II. Porgy Sings - Erich Kunzel
  8. III. Fugue - Erich Kunzel
  9. IV. Hurricane - Erich Kunzel
  10. V. Good Morning, Sistuh - Erich Kunzel
  11. O Land Of Mine, America - Erich Kunzel

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Low recording volume spoils an otherwise good CD.......2006-06-29

This CD has been recorded at a very low level. If you want to hear that opening clarinet glissando in Rhapsody in Blue, be prepared to turn the volume WAAAAAY up. Great collection, but disappointing quality. Wish I'd bought something else.

5 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Collection.......2000-12-29

Erich Kunzel conducts a wonderful recording of all the orchestral Gershwin one needs. There is a great performance of Rhapsody in Blue, and An American in Paris. They are conducted and played the way Gershwin would have liked. The three preludes are played fantastically, especially Walking the Dog played brilliantly by the clarinetist. I highly recommend this to any Gershwin fan who wants a complete and wonderful recording of this fine American music.
Panorama: George Gershwin
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Ain't This Gershwin Double-Decker Enough ?
Panorama: George Gershwin

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004XN6J
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

  1. Rhapsody In Blue
  2. An American In Paris
  3. Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In F: 1. Allegro
  4. Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In F: 2. Adagio - Andante con moto
  5. Concerto For Piano And Orchestra In F: 3. Allegro agitato
  6. Cuban Overture

Tracks:

  1. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite: Catfish Row
  2. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite: Porgy Sings
  3. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite: Fugue
  4. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite: Hurrican
  5. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite: Good Morning, Brother
  6. Variations On 'I Got Rhythm' For Piano And Orchestra
  7. 3 Preludes: 1. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
  8. 3 Preludes: 2. Andante con moto e poco rubato
  9. 3 Preludes: 3. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
  10. Rhapsody No. 2 For Piano And Orchestra
  11. 5 Song Arrangements: A Foggy Day (From 'A Damsel In Distress')
  12. 5 Song Arrangements: Embraceable You (From 'Girl Crazy')
  13. 5 Song Arrangements: Someone To Watch Over Me (From 'Oh Kay')
  14. 5 Song Arrangements: Oh, Lady Be Good! (From 'Lady Be Good')
  15. 5 Song Arrangements: The Man I Love

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Ain't This Gershwin Double-Decker Enough ?.......2001-01-22

There are all masterpieces of Gershwin you may want to hear in the panorama, including Rhapsody in Blue, and Porgy and Bess Suite. Plus they are performed by many highly recommended musicians, from Leonard Bernstein and the LA Phil, through an excellent violinist Ghil Shaham with pianist-conductor, Andre Previn.

I guarantee you, that if you want Gershwin without spending too much money, then this is probably the only one you'll ever need. It would be an excellent choice. And please enjoy the rest of the Grammophon Panorama series too.
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue etc.
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • ENDORSED BY CAMPBELL PUBLISHING
  • Almost Flawless
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue etc.

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by GershwinAll Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000DBVR
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

  1. Cuban Overture
  2. Suite from Girl Crazy
  3. Funny Face - Overture
  4. Rhapsody In Blue
  5. Oh, Kay! - Overture
  6. An American In Paris
  7. Suite From Porgy And Bess

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars ENDORSED BY CAMPBELL PUBLISHING.......2006-06-19

A TRIBUTE TO THE BEST COMPOSER OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY...
George Gershwin was an All-American composer and musician. This man had a short life, but made a huge impact on the big band movement across the country.

Learn about the history of his life and his tremendous influence on American music.

Check it out at [...]

5 out of 5 stars Almost Flawless.......2004-06-12

This could be titled "Gershwin's Greatest Hits" - I can't think of anything major missing from his orchestral pieces. The performances are very good throughout - Lorin Maazel and the Cleveland Orchestra took the more symphonic pieces, and the Boston Pops with Arthur Fiedler did the show tunes. Frank Chacksfield and His Orchestra contributed the suite from Porgy and Bess. The liner notes, by noted historian David McCullough, are a useful addition.

The only flaw I can recount is that the beginning first few notes of the famous clarinet solo in Rhapsody In Blue are a bit low in volume - I have to fiddle with the volume when listening to that piece. I don't think this is the only recording with that condition, though.

Overall, highly recommended both as an introduction to Gershwin and as a compendium for those already familiar with his works.
Mad About Gershwin
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Mad About Gershwin

    Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by GershwinAll Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000001GOH
    Release Date: 1994-09-20

    Tracks:

    1. Rhapsody In Blue
    2. An American In Paris
    3. Piano Prelude No. 2
    4. Cuban Overture
    5. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite (Catfish Row): Catfish Row
    6. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite (Catfish Row): Porgy Sings
    7. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite (Catfish Row): Fugue
    8. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite (Catfish Row): Hurricane
    9. 'Porgy And Bess' Suite (Catfish Row): Good Morning, Brother
    Gershwin: An American in Paria: Catfish Row; Promenade; Etc.
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Gershwin: An American in Paria: Catfish Row; Promenade; Etc.

      Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity Koch
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B0007LPMCI
      Release Date: 2005-04-12

      Tracks:

      1. Catfish Row (Suite from Porgy and Bess): Introduction-Act I, Scene 1
      2. Catfish Row (Suite from Porgy and Bess): Porgy Sings
      3. Catfish Row (Suite from Porgy and Bess): Fugue
      4. Catfish Row (Suite from Porgy and Bess): Hurricane-Act II, Scene 3
      5. Catfish Row (Suite from Porgy and Bess): Good Morning' Brother-Act ...
      6. American in Paris
      7. Promenade
      8. Rhapsody in Blue [*]
      9. Cuban Overture [*]
      Greatest Hits - Bernstein, Copland, Gershwin, Stravinsky
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Greatest Hits - Bernstein, Copland, Gershwin, Stravinsky

        Manufacturer: Sony
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        ASIN: B0000029NQ
        Release Date: 1995-12-05
        The Authentic George Gershwin, Vol. 1-3
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • 'Swonderful and Fascinatin'
        The Authentic George Gershwin, Vol. 1-3

        Manufacturer: White Line
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by GershwinAll Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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        ASIN: B00000I85Q
        Release Date: 1995-10-17

        Tracks:

        1. Swanee
        2. Come To The Moon
        3. I Was So Young (You Were So Beautiful)
        4. Tee-Oodle-Um-Bum-Bo
        5. Nobody But You
        6. Limehouse Night
        7. Drifting Alone With The Tide
        8. Rhapsody In Blue
        9. Oh Lady Be Good!
        10. Fascinating Rhythm
        11. Hang On To Me
        12. I'd Rather Charleston
        13. The Man I Love
        14. The Half Of It, Dearie, Blues
        15. So Am I
        16. Kickin' The Clouds Away
        17. Con in F

        Tracks:

        1. Tip-Toes: Sweet And Low-Down (I)
        2. Tip-Toes: That Certain Feeling (I)
        3. Tip-Toes: Looking For A Boy (I)
        4. Tip-Toes: When Do We Dance? (II)
        5. Tip-Toes: Sweet Low-Down (II)
        6. Tip-Toes: That Certain Feeling (II)
        7. Irish Waltz (Three-Quarter Blues)
        8. Oh, Kay!: Do,Do,Do
        9. Oh, Kay!: Someone To Watch Over Me
        10. Oh, Kay!: Clap Yo' Hands
        11. Oh, Kay!: Maybe
        12. Three Prlds: No. 1, Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso/No. 2, Andante Con Moto/No. 3, Allegro Ben Ritmato
        13. Strike Up The Band: Meadow Serenade
        14. Funny Face: My One And Only
        15. Funny Face: 'S Wonderful/Funny Face
        16. Funny Face: He Loves And She Loves
        17. An American In Paris
        18. Show Girl: Liza
        19. Strike Up The Band: Strike Up The Band
        20. Crazy Girl: Embraceable You
        21. Crazy Girl: I Got Rhythm (I)
        22. Crazy Girl: I Got Rhythm (II)

        Tracks:

        1. Of Thee I Sing Ov
        2. Jilted
        3. Second Rhapsody
        4. For You, For Me, For Evermore
        5. Cuban Ov
        6. Isn't It A Pity?
        7. Vars On 'I Got Rhythm'
        8. Porgy And Bess Ste (Catfish Row): I. Catfish Row: Intro-Jasbo Brown (Complete)...
        9. Porgy And Bess Ste (Catfish Row): II. 'I Got Plenty O' Nuthin''...
        10. Porgy And Bess Ste (Catfish Row): III. Fugue: Murder Of Crown, Act III Scene I
        11. Porgy And Bess Ste (Catfish Row): IV. Hurricane: Intro, Act II Scene 3...
        12. Porgy And Bess Ste (Catfish Row): V. Good Morning, Brother...
        13. They Can't Take That Away From Me
        14. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
        15. Our Love Is Here To Stay

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars 'Swonderful and Fascinatin'.......2001-09-24

        A slim volume of Gershwin's own arrangements of his popular songs exists, and has been recorded by many pianists. Unfortunately, these arrangements exist for only a scant few of Gershwin's songs, and they are rather abbreviated and dare I say it? Unsatisfying. Enter Jack Gibbons. Mr. Gibbons has meticulously researched George Gershwin's own playing of these pieces, from old radio shows, movie soundtracks, and other archival sources and he plays them exactly the way the composer did. He kids you not about "authentic". This is about as close as you can get to the source, and the recorded sound is spectacular. Bravo!

        Music Review:

        1. Gianna Pederzini
        2. God Bless America
        3. Handel: Judas Maccabæus
        4. Haydn: String Quartets, Op.76, Nos. 1-3
        5. Haydn: String Quartets, Volume 4
        6. Heinrich Schlusnus Liederalbum
        7. Heinrich Schlusnus Liederalbum, Vol. 2
        8. Heinrich Schlusnus Sings Arias & Scenes
        9. Helge Rosvaenge - The Early Recordings
        10. Helge Rosvaenge und die leichte Muse

        Music Review

        music review

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        Blast the Speakers [Import] [CD-single]

        Concertante Variations / Piano Concerto 2

        Enrico Caruso in Arias, Duets & Songs

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        El Profeta

        It's Time

        God Of Rain

        For the Sake of Love

        Dohnanyi: Serenade in C Major, Op. 10; Brahms: Sextet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 36 / Sitkovetsky, NES Chamber Orchestra

        Jazz Music: 2000 Reasons To Celebrate:Women In Concert [Live]

        Gyakuryuu Kokuu [Import]

        Hell Raiser (+Bonus DVD) [Import]

        The Ralph Carmichael Orchestra Songs of Faith

        Christmas Album