Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

Andrea Goldstein, joven judío italiano aspirante a médico, ve truncado su destino cuando las leyes raciales de Mussolini le impiden estudiar su vocación y emprende un viaje hacia América en busca de una vida normal y segura. Trieste, agosto de 1938. Nadie en este plácido verano podía presagiar el destino dramático que le espera a Andrea Goldstein, adolescente inquieto que, a un mes de arrancar sus estudios de Medicina, ve cómo la proclamación de las leyes antirraciales del régimen fascista de Benito Mussolini le obligan a exiliarse a los Estados Unidos en busca de una vida mejor. En Nueva York todo es vibrante, excitante y nuevo para Andrea, quien busca establecerse y llevar una existencia normal y apacible, abierta a miles de posibilidades. A pesar de que el azul del cielo neoyorkino le recuerda al azul del mar de su Trieste natal y la melancolía le acompaña casi a diario al ritmo de la melodía de Gershwin Rhapsody in blue.

A Gershwin Moment is upon us: Rhapsody in Blue and the Concerto in F — not so long ago marginalized repertoire in limbo between classical and popular genres — are now, unapologetically, concert staples. George Gershwin is finally recognized as an early harbinger of musical synergies that we now take for granted. No longer viewed as an „inspired dilettante,” betwixt and between, the new Gershwin is a confident master, versatile and visionary.

Dominican Jazz pianist Michel Camilo recorded "Rhapsody in Blue" with the 95-piece Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. You might expect his freewheeling, Latin-percussive style to bring a new heat and sparkle to the work. While Camilo, no stranger to classical music, provides an enjoyable ride through George Gershwin's popular favorite, injecting some subtle swing touches, his treatment is otherwise pretty standard.

Dominican Jazz pianist Michel Camilo recorded "Rhapsody in Blue" with the 95-piece Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. You might expect his freewheeling, Latin-percussive style to bring a new heat and sparkle to the work. While Camilo, no stranger to classical music, provides an enjoyable ride through George Gershwin's popular favorite, injecting some subtle swing touches, his treatment is otherwise pretty standard.

A Gershwin Moment is upon us: Rhapsody in Blue and the Concerto in F — not so long ago marginalized repertoire in limbo between classical and popular genres — are now, unapologetically, concert staples. George Gershwin is finally recognized as an early harbinger of musical synergies that we now take for granted. No longer viewed as an „inspired dilettante,” betwixt and between, the new Gershwin is a confident master, versatile and visionary.

This release from BR KLASSIK explores the genre of the 19th and 20th century Rhapsody, featuring works from masterful composers Emmanuel Chabrier, George Gershwin, George Enesecu, Maurice Ravel, and Franz Liszt. The concert-like atmosphere of this recording makes this a truly unique release, as these works were recorded live in Munich as recently as October 2015. The five rhapsodies featured here come from different regions and the composers unique styles can be heard in each of their works. Chabriers Espana is centered around Iberian and folk music which was very popular at the time. Liszts Hungarian Rhapsody contrasts this work with its use of Hungarian folk melodies. The ever-popular Rhapsody in Blue from George Gershwin throws Americana into the mix with its blues roots. Mariss Jansons and the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks never fails to please with their brilliant interpretations and performance quality. World-renowned Russian pianist Denis Matusev is brilliant as the Rhapsody in Blue soloist.

A Gershwin Moment is upon us: Rhapsody in Blue and the Concerto in F — not so long ago marginalized repertoire in limbo between classical and popular genres — are now, unapologetically, concert staples. George Gershwin is finally recognized as an early harbinger of musical synergies that we now take for granted. No longer viewed as an „inspired dilettante,” betwixt and between, the new Gershwin is a confident master, versatile and visionary.

Penned for the concert hall but brimming with the sounds and rhythms of Tin Pan Alley and Broadway, this all-GERSHWIN program features American pianist Jon Nakamatsu in the Piano Concerto in F and the Rhapsody in Blue. For an orchestral encore, Jeff Tyzik leads the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in an exuberant reading of the Cuban Overture.