Search - George Gershwin, Zubin Mehta, New York Philharmonic :: Manhattan (1979 Film)

Should have been a two CD set

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/07/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The beautiful soundtrack to Woody Allen's movie Manhattan starts off with a huge bang--a sixteen minute, lush arrangement of Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue with Gary Graffman at the piano and Zubin Mehta. The quality of the sound couldn't be better, either.



"Rhapsody In Blue" by The New York Philharmonic sparkles like crystal--and that's only the beginning. "Land Of The Gay Caballero" also features a great musical arrangement with great brass, horns and percussion. "Someone To Watch Over Me" is another number I really enjoy; and "I've Got A Crush On You" is thoroughly enjoyable. "I've Got A Crush On You" makes good use of the percussion and I predict that you will enjoy this very much.



"He Loves And She Loves" gets a lush treatment with a stunning violin solo; and listen also for "'S Wonderful." "'S Wonderful" is another Gershwin tune that sounds fresh and new in the capable hands of these fine artists.



"Our Love Is Here To Stay" features a great, somewhat jazzy interpretation that strikes me as very beautiful; and "Embraceable You" gets a tender, passionate treatment, too.



The album ends with "But Not For Me." This number ends the album strong and leaves you wanting more.



Unfortunately, this time around the fact that you will want more means that you should have received more. The music is great--but we should have received much more of it. I agree with other reviewers that too many of these tracks are just too short. The album is too condensed; and I will take off two stars for this to make this a three star review.



I recommend this album for the new Gershwin fan; and people who enjoyed the film Manhattan may also appreciate this CD. Unfortunately, people who want the full experience of the Gershwin magic will do well to look elsewhere.

"