George Gershwin (1898-1937)
First broadcast from 20061120 to 20061124.
5 episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20061120 | Gershwin started life in the music business as a song-plugger on Tin Pan Alley, becoming a fine pianist into the bargain. Donald Macleod looks at the songs that established his reputation as a composer of popular songs and the work with which he crossed the threshold of the concert hall for the first time. Fascinating Rhythm Fred and Adele Astaire George Gershwin (piano) Swanee Al Jolson Lullaby Cleveland Orchestra Riccardo Chailly (conductor) On my mind the whole night long; Scandal Walk George Gershwin (piano) I'll build a stairway to Paradise Georges Guetary MGM Studio Orchestra Johnny Green (conductor) Rhapsody in Blue Roy Bargy and Leonard Pennario (piano) Paul Whiteman Orchestra Lady be good Cliff Edwards (Ukelele Ike) So am I Adele Astaire and George Voltaire Empire Theatre Orchestra John Heuvel (conductor) The half of it, dearie blues Fred Astaire George Gershwin (piano). |
| 02 | 20061121 | It was not long before George Gershwin and his brother Ira conquered Broadway, and George went on to win the hearts of the public - if not the critics - in the concert hall. Donald Macleod introduces the show that reinforced the brothers' reputation and the concerto with which Gershwin attempted to prove his worth as a serious composer. Three Preludes George Gershwin (piano) Overture (Oh, Kay!) Buffalo Philharmonic Michael Tilson Thomas (conductor) The man I love Ella Fitzgerald Concerto in F Peter Donohoe (piano) City of Birmingham SO Simon Rattle (conductor). |
| 03 | 20061122 | Donald Macleod introduces Gershwin's evocation of the sights and sounds of Paris and the Broadway show that was saved from obscurity by the Wall Street Crash. An American in Paris New York Philharmonic Leonard Bernstein (conductor) Strike up the band; I've got a crush on you (Strike up the Band) Jason Graae and Juliet Lambert Orchestra John Mauceri (conductor) Embraceable you; I got rhythm; But not for me (Girl Crazy) Lorna Luft, David Carroll and Judy Blazer. |
| 04 | 20061123 | The first all-Gershwin concert was staged in 1932 at the Lewisohn Baseball Stadium, playing to a huge crowd. Donald Macleod introduces the overture premiered at the event, written during a holiday in Cuba; Gershwin's Second Rhapsody, premiered by Gershwin himself; and George and Ira's biggest hit to date, a burlesque on post-War politics. Of Thee I Sing (excerpt) Throttlebottom....Jack Gilford Wintergreen....Larry Kert Diana....Paige O'Hara Mary....Maureen McGovern French Ambassador....Frank Dabdoub New York Choral Artists Orchestra of St Luke's Michael Tilson Thomas (conductor) Second Rhapsody Los Angeles Philharmonic Michael Tilson Thomas (conductor) George Gershwin's Songbook (excerpts) Peter Donohoe (piano) Cuban Overture London Symphony Orchestra Andre Previn (conductor). |
| 05 LAST | 20061124 | Donald Macleod introduces what was to be Gershwin's final concert work, his first and only opera, and some of the most memorable songs from the final years of his life. Variations on I Got Rhythm Fazil Say (piano) New York Philharmonic Kurt Masur (conductor) Porgy and Bess (Act 2, excerpt) Porgy....Willard White Bess....Cynthia Haymon Clara....Harolyn Blackwell Sportin' Life....Damon Evans Jake....Bruce Hubbard Serena....Cynthia Clarey Maria....Mariette Simpson Mingo....Barrington Coleman Lily....Maureen Briathwaite Annie....Paula Ingram Frazier....William Johnson Scipio....Linda Thompson Mr Archdale....Ted Maynard Glyndebourne Chorus London Philharmonic Simon Rattle (conductor) Walking the dog Let?s call the whole thing off Gregory Hines Patti Austin Hollywood Bowl Orchestra John Mauceri (conductor) A foggy day Nice work if you can get it Love is here to stay Ella Fitzgerald |