To accomplish a record with music of the great George Gershwin on which a soloist violin carry the principal voice can seem an impossible task to do, since the New York composer did not compose any piece of that kind. But that was the idea, and with the collaboration of several arrangers turned out to be it fully satisfactory; the improvisation, or the rhythmic and harmonic variations, were normal activities in the musical environment on which were Gershwin moved, therefore the validity of the here presented arrangements would have liked, without doubt, to the own composer. The disk is opened with a long piece for violin and orchestra, Fantasy on Porgy and Bess, created by the arranger and composer Alexander Courage at the request of the (in this occasion) conductor John Williams; outlined as a long suite, and wonderfully orchestrated, it did not lack the incorporation of the most famous themes of Gershwin's only Opera, as I Got Plenty O' Nuttin' or Summertimme. The Three Preludes that come afterwards are an excellent transcription of the original pieces for piano, accomplished by the famous violinist Jascha Heifetz a little after the death of the composer. Finally Songs for Violin and Orchestra, seven songs from different origins in curious arrangements for violin and orchestra that show the symphonic capacity of Gershwin's music, whatever the gender; among them the utterly famous I Got Rhythm and Love Is Here to Stay, and a curious mixture of Sweet and Low-Down, courtesy of the current technology, that permits to listen the own author in an original recording of 1926.

Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra on Porgy and Bess [Arr: Alexander Courage] - 20:24
Three Preludes [Arr: Jascha Heifetz] - 6:46
Songs for Violin and Orchestra [Arr: William David Brohn and Jonathan Tunick] - 27:35
Joshua Bell (Violin) - John Williams (Piano) - London Symphony Orchestra - Conductor: John Williams
SONY CLASSICAL SK60659 / 55'

Back to 20th Century Music

Hosted by

Ask Us!