GERSHWIN FAVORITES

Gershwin: Porgy & Bess (Highlights)

The Philadelphia Orchestra and conductor Marin Alsop present a live recording with highlights of Gershwin’s self-proclaimed American “Folk Opera” Porgy and Bess, with a stellar cast. Since its premiere in 1935, Porgy and Bess has been one of the most significant attempts to – following Antonín Dvořák’s famous instruction of 1893 – create American classical music inspired by Afro-American styles such as jazz, spirituals and the blues. (Pentatone)

1SACD# PTC5186883 $19.99

Gershwin Songbook / Enrico Fagnoni

Enrico Fagnoni offers this new recording of the Songbook as a tribute to Gershwin’s genius. Gershwin compiled the Songbook in the early 1930s at the invitation of his publisher. Jazz, ragtime and klezmer all inflect these songs with their own unique harmonies. Tracks include “Do It Again,” “Strike Up the Band,” “Do-Do-Do,” “My One and Only,” and more. (Piano Classics)

1CD# PCL10228 $18.99

Rhapsody in Blue / Karl Eichinger; Brno PO

When George Gershwin presented his Rhapsody in Blue at Manhattan’s Aeolian Hall in 1924, Jazz had prized its way into the classical concert halls. Vienna-born Daniel Muck, who has always felt a stylistic connection with Gershwin, and hence is an expression of his intent to cleave the rift between the grand past of the romantic virtuoso concerto and contemporary popular music. (Gramola)

An American in Paris (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

First came Gershwin’s composition of An American in Paris, then the 1951 film and, finally, the stage version that opened in Paris before coming to Broadway in 2015. Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope star in this romantic tale of an American G.I. and a young French woman in post-WWII Paris; the still-exhilarating Gershwin music: “ ’S Wonderful,”

“I Got Rhythm,” “The Man I Love,” “Fidgety Feet,” “But Not for Me,” the title piece and more! (Sony)

1CD# 88875091142 $11.99

Gershwin: Music for Violin & Piano / Opus Two

Opus Two – violinist William Terwillger and pianist Andrew Cooperstock – has been hailed for its unanimity of style and spirit, exemplary balance and close rapport as well as its commitment to expanding the violin-piano duo repertoire. This Gershwin Project, in collaboration with soprano Ashley Brown, features a number of worldpremiere recordings.” (Azica)

1CD# ACD-71290 $16.99

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, Promenade

1CD# GRAM99245

$18.99

Gershwin Playground / Guy Mintus Trio

The young Israeli pianist, vocalist, and composer Guy Mintus is equally at home when he is on stage with the Jazz legends, composing for classical orchestras, working with masters of traditional music or working as a guest soloist with the Ska Punk band Street Light Manifesto with whom he had a sold out concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York. (Enja)

1CD# ENJ-9683 $18.99

Gershwin: Anthology of American Piano Music, Vol. 4

The Anthology of American Piano Music is designed to show the stylistic breadth, high musical quality and great originality of the best American piano works. While the preceding three volumes presented works for solo piano by multiple composers related to one theme (Vol. 1, “American First Sonatas”; Vol. 2, “Music of the Night – American Nocturnes”; Vol. 3, “American Landscapes”). (Danacord)

1CD# DACOCD869 $16.99

George Gershwin fired up the New York music scene with his mélange of alluring tunes and refinement of the jazz vibe. His Strike Up the Band Overture opened a flashy Broadway hit and, inspired by a train ride, the composer heard his masterpiece “Rhapsody in Blue” as a “musical kaleidoscope of America”. (Naxos)

1CD# 8559750 $13.99

Gershwin: Complete Music for Piano & Orchestra

Gershwin’s four works for piano and orchestra fit so comfortably on a single CD that it’s surprising how rarely they all show up together. This new Bridge issue fills a significant if unexpected discographic gap. Even when held up against less complete collections, though, these classy performances stand high. (Bridge)

1CD# BCD9252 $16.99

Gershwin / Jos van Immerseel

George Gershwin composed his “Rhapsody in Blue” in 1924. His masterpieces, such as An American in Paris and the opera Porgy & Bess, greatly enriched the American musical heritage. Jos van Immerseel has always been fascinated by Gershwin, and he and his companions in Anima Eterna have got closer than ever before to the composer’s intentions with this recording, making use of the appropriate instruments. (Alpha)

1CD# ALPHA289 $18.99