"I cannot rate all of the material on this disk, as I have the LP which only contains Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris. Nonetheless, this is the type of music that Arthur Fieldler excelled at, and Earl Wild is simply fabulous. One danger with Gershwin is that his mixing of classical and jazz has flummoxed more than a few otherwise excellent conductors and pianists who seem to miss the jazz feel that the piece requires. Neither Fiedler nor Wild had this problem. The result is an exciting recording, and, consequently, my favorite one of these pieces."
Good performance and bargain
Gilbert Hernandez | Lubbock, TX USA | 03/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Surprisingly rare to find these three pieces (Rhapsody, American in Paris, and the Concerto) on one disc, with such solid, virtuosic performances. The 'variations' is a very pleasant bit of filler as well. Money well spent and not just a 'bargain.' I do have to say, however, that Earl Wild's performance, while outstanding, doesn't provide most subtle interpretation of this music, and at times he takes some rather cringing liberties with the score."
"The legendary North American pianist, Earl Wild recorded what many people consider to be one of his most successful recordings ever made. The formidable accompaniment of the charismatic Arthur Fielder made possible to record one of the most acclaimed performances. Tough my first and second choice go to Oscar Levant and Eugene List, my third election is that undeniably. It possess grace, expression, charm and voluptuousness. Besides, the master process was top of the line. If you are searching for the perfect balance between piano and Orchestra, maybe this is his right choice.
A cult recording that improves through the years."
Glorious Gershwin
Joseph Goodson | Ann Arbor, MI, USA | 07/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This will be a brief and sweet review: these are some of the finest versions of these pieces available. The Boston Pops, all members of the Boston Symphony, carry with them all of their sensibility, power and virtuosity under the baton of Fiedler to deliver this great American music.
Both the Rhapsody and Gershwin's tone-poem shine and sparkle, and they both showcase the fantastic Bostonian brass and percussion.
The Concerto in F is a special delight (not as well known as the Rhapsody), and the Pops make it swing. Earl Wild, likewise, glows in this performance.
Aesthetic quality/sound quality (out of ten): 10/10