Search - George Gershwin, Michael Tilson Thomas, New World Symphony :: Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue; Concerto in F; An American in Paris

A Fine Rhapsody in a crowded field.

W. Morris | Pensacola, FL USA | 01/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To say the least, one can look in their local music store and find the large amount of recordings from reputable (and not so reputable) orchestras playing this famous composition of sassy jazz in the orchestral idiom. But this recently released album of Gershwin's three best known orchestral 'warhorses' so to speak, comes in right at the top of the class and could even be considered all around 'best' in the class too, if it were fair to make such an assumption.



Now having gotten that out of the way, let me go ahead by saying that Thomas, who is usually in top form, is... by no means any different here: Excellent conductor AND pianist (in Rhapsody in Blue). In an earlier Sony recording with the Columbia Jazz Band, the master maestro became very familiar with Gershwin's own playing as the piece was recorded with a piano roll of the composer playing the piano part. Thomas, in this recording with the New World Symphony, shows that he did not forget it as he played with a sassy swagger similar to Gershwin's own. The musicians of the band play with equal attitude and pay homage to the composer in this original jazz band rendition of the piece.



An American in Paris shines through as great fun as Thomas leads the San Francisco musicians in a rowdy, classy, and even at times, nostalgic performance. You can really feel the atmosphere of the great French city and the longing for home of the composer. First class playing and a darn fine tuba solo if I may be so inclined to say.



The Concerto in F really is one of the greats as much for Ohlsson's playing as for Thomas' conducting. The phrasing and tempos are as smooth as glass. Ohlsson, better known for his classical playing, wouldn't seem to come off as a soloist in this particular idiom of Americana. However, any who would detract would be hard pressed to find someone in a recording able to match his virtuosic account found on this disc, even considering the mannered Bernstein performance on Sony and the nearly definitive Earl Wild performance with the Boston Pops on RCA Living Stereo (both of which are favorites of mine).



Top off these great performances with equally good sonics and you've got a winner. If you're a Gershwin enthusiast, you more than likely already have it, if you're not, I'd recommend this recording over any previous, it's that good. Buy it!"

Best American in Paris, better than Bernstein

Prescott Cunningham Moore | 01/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Michael Tilson Thomas is quite possibly the most underrated conductor alive today. His recordings are always astounding in their vision and power. San Francisco, although not the most powerful orchestra around, delivers one of the most convincing and most pleasing sounds today. SFSO is a bit soft on the strings, but the woodwind is marvelous and the brass rivals Chicago. However, it is the level of musicianship that Thomas and SFSO give that is so pleasing. Take, for example, this CD of Gershwin. Thomas and the symphony play these pieces with total conviction, total dedication, total beauty. They treat An American in Paris not like a trivial American showpiece but as a legitimate piece of music. And the result is nothing short of astounding. This digital recording showcases Gershwin's orchestral virtuosity fantastically. Thomas brings light to an often neglected score, allowing the listener in a way to hear An American in Paris for the first time. The brass blast, the winds chirp, the strings sing as the listener is transported to Paris. This recording is much better than Bernstein's, not only in quality of sound, but in musicianship and vision as well.



Garrick Ohlsson's Concerto is just as marvelous. The orchestra is in top form, giving a wonderfully convincing reading of the American Concerto. Ohlsson's playing isn't as jazzy as others, but it is still lively and exciting.



The Rhapsody is presented in its original "big Band" form with Thomas at the keyboard. The New World Symphony gives a wonderful accompaniment to the maestro in this all too neglected rendition of the Rhapsody. Although I do prefer Groffe's orchestral version, this recording is hard to resist! Highly recommended."

Lively and Jazzy

PaulaB | Chicago | 11/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a critically acclaimed recording of Rhapsody in Blue and I definitely agree with the critics. The interpretation is crisp and lively and with the small jazz band sound intended by the composer. Sound quality is fantastic, especially the piano solos."