Rhapsody in Blue and Piano Concerto in F Major

Product Description 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. Review Few classical works boast an opening as memorable as Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue'. A duo of a mischievous clarinet followed closely by a pacy piano, it's an impish and animated interplay reminiscent of a Laurel and Hardy skit. The essentially jazzy, haphazard patterns intersect here with Straussian waltzes by way of freewheeling harmonies and tempos a glorious farrago on par with the internal soundtrack of a madman. The fusion of jazz and classical music was Gershwin's calling card and both the Rhapsody and the Concerto included on this album are a great reminder of how innovative, electrifying but also divisive this combination was at the time. The superb pianist Kirill Gerstein performs these works with joie de vivre and discerning intelligence. In a loosely structured context, where so much is left to interpretation, his pianism is as comfortable and assured taking the spotlight as it is moving aside and letting the orchestra shine when it's needed. --15 Best albums of 2018 / Reader's Digest UK Editors