Search - George Gershwin, Arthur Fiedler, Boston Pops Orchestra :: Gershwin Greatest Hits

Fun and exuberant!

burghtenor | Washington, DC | 01/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a shame that George Gershwin died at such a young age. In his twenties, he wrote RHAPSODY IN BLUE, a perfect blend of jazz and classical music. In his thirties, who wrote PORGY AND BESS, something between an opera and a musical. If he had lived into his forties, who knows? He may have further helped Western Music to reconcile the differences between popular music and "art" music!



Arthur Fiedler, the Boston Pops, and the piano soloists are a perfect match for this music, some of Gershwin's finest. They all infuse an energy, a grace, and a playfulness that give the music such exuberance. In my opinion, the best tracks are RHAPSODY IN BLUE, which rhythmically rocks and sonorously sparkles under Fiedler's baton, and "The Man I Love," which shows that a tune can be a torch song even without a singer.



All the other tracks are fabulous as well, although it is disappointing that the first movement of the CONCERTO IN F is missing. Some people find the honking horns in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS a little bit annoying.



When I'm feeling tired or sad, playing this CD is a sure-fire way to lift my spirits!"

Fun and Exciting Gershwin!

burghtenor | 02/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who better than Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra to give idiomatic performances of George Gershwin's "serious" compositions? One can almost believe that this is how RHAPSODY IN BLUE sounded when Gershwin himself gave the world premiere in 1924. While it is too bad that no music from PORGY AND BESS is included, the CD as it stands offers great performances of great music, at a very affordable price."

S'wonderful, S'marvelous

burghtenor | 08/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wonderful selection of Gershwin pieces, by artists who know how to play his music. Peter Nero, conductor of the Philly Pops, contributes the jazz sound, Earl Wild and the Boston Pops their lush and mellow arrangements. A CD to be listened to over and over, without ever tiring of it. A great gift idea - who wouldn't like it?"