Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site

Musical Discussions
Topic: Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

Page 1 of 1 (5 items)


Posted by drdna on 10-30-2010
fiogf49gjkf0d
I just stumbled across what I thought to be a very nice rendition of Rhapsody in Blue with Herbie Hancock at the piano:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PRRzXBwXTY

Just wondering what other folks' favorite versions are? 

I vascilate between Bernstein's adaptation and Levant's more traditional version.

Adrian

Posted by Paul S on 10-30-2010
fiogf49gjkf0d
Adrian, I suspect that many of us "of a certain age" unconsciously think of Berstein/Columbia SO as the "original" version!

I would have to hear the Herbie/Lang Lang version under better circumstances.  On first hearing, it is too "lite" for me. This version seems oddly devoid of a certain "tension" I associate with the work, to the point that I "miss" it here.

Nice playing, however.  Very clean; "refreshing"...

Best regards,
Paul S

Posted by Romy the Cat on 10-31-2010
fiogf49gjkf0d
I do not like Gershwin and I do not like Rhapsody in Blue. I call it all the “elevator music”. I also very much do not like how   they shot the whole performing event – this is new fashionable CNN style of camera work is very amusical and more suitable for Liberace performances. Though this specific Rhapsody in Blue might be very much Liberace-inspired sonata, the only things is missing there was André Rieu jumping in the stage naked and play holding a bow in his mouth while dancing a naked riverdance….

I know that Gershwin lover would not agree with me but I do not like Gershwin… BTW, did Gershwin record his entire repertoire himself in 20s? I wonder if the Gershwin own recording now considered by Gershwin livers as anything good.

A few year ago a friend of my who loves Gershwin, pitched me the recordings of Gershwin by Chicago Symphony under James Levine. It was very good play…

The Cat

Posted by Paul S on 11-20-2011
fiogf49gjkf0d
Romy, was Levine also at the piano in the recording(s) you refer to? I am always skeptical of the "dual role" soloist/conductor recordings; but it would be nice indeed if someone actually pulled it off with great performances.

Paul S

Posted by Romy the Cat on 11-20-2011
fiogf49gjkf0d
Yes, he was:

http://www.amazon.com/Gershwin-Rhapsody-Cuban-Overture-American/dp/B000001GEK

However, I hear a few months ago a broadcast with Michael Tilson Thomas playing the Rhapsodies with some kind of Florida orchestra is I am not mistaken and it was very very good. I did record it.

Page 1 of 1 (5 items)