The Gershwin Moment - Rhapsody In Blue
$35.00
Out of Stock6+ weeks add to cart
GEORGE GERSHWIN
The Gershwin Moment - Rhapsody In Blue
Kirill Gerstein (piano) Storm Large (vocals), Gary Burton (vibraphone) / St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, David Robertson
[ Myrios Classics / CD ]
Release Date: Tuesday 10 July 2018
This item is currently out of stock. It may take 6 or more weeks to obtain from when you place your order as this is a specialist product.
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.
In this album recorded live, pianist Kirill Gerstein explores the music of George Gershwin. Together with conductor David Robertson and the St. Louis Symphony he plays the Concerto in F as well as the original jazz band version of the Rhapsody in Blue. Program also includes a selection of Gershwin songs in solo piano arrangements by the American pianist Earl Wild. The album features Gerstein's collaboration with two special guests: vocalist Storm Large sings Gershwin's "Summertime". Together with the legendary jazz vibraphonist, Gary Burton, Gerstein plays a jazz standard "Blame It on My Youth" written by Gershwin's close friend, Oscar Levant.
"What [Gerstein] serves up here is living, breathing Gershwin that doesn't shy from improvisation and yet retains all the crystal clarity and architectural cohesion of his interpretations of Liszt and Brahms.The result is sizzlin', sassy and smooth, and Robertson and his St Louis musicians are there every spontaneous step of the way...Gerstein's music-making is direct from the heart, unsentimental but rich in sentiment." Gramophone Editor's Choice March 2018
"This is a remarkable album. Berlin-based Kirill Gerstein studied jazz piano at Berklee, and is clearly finely attuned to Gershwin's idiom. Rhapsody in Blue is heard in Grofé's lean arrangement and the performance accordingly tight. Gerstein includes an interpolated cadenza in the concerto's slow movement. The first movement is vibrant and the finale buzzes. Thomas Drake's trumpet solos are impeccably laid back. Superb booklet notes treat Gershwin knowledgeably and seriously. Stunning." International Piano Five Stars
"The disc gives full rein to Gerstein's jazz talents in all their liquid, apparently effortless variety. The Rhapsody is heard in a live performance - full of fat, moody brass - of the jazz-band arrangement" The Observer
Tracks:
Rhapsody In Blue
Somebody Loves Me
Summertime (from Porgy and Bess)
Piano Concerto in F major
Wild: Embraceable You
Levant: Blame It on My Youth
