The Complete George Gershwin by Jeffrey Siegel

04 Jan

Written by Lee Prosser
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For the jazz listener in particular, this is a two-CD set that should be in the home library, for it captures the major longer work of Gershwin. In addition to "Rhapsody in Blue," there is the favorite of most jazz musicians, "I Got Rhythm" (the variations composed by Gershwin). There is also the magnificently performed "Cuban Overture," performed by Jeffrey Siegel on piano, accompanied by Leonard Slatkin conducting the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra with John Korman on solo violin and Yuan Tung on solo cello. It is and remains a question that most jazz historians continue to ask, "What would Gershwin have created for the jazz medium had he lived long enough for an extended visit to Cuba for impressions of its culture and music?"

The "Cuban Overture" is 10:26 of jazz bliss! The oftentime overlooked but now rediscovered "Second Rhapsody" is also included. George Silfies give a great interpretation on solo clarinet of Gershwin's "Promenade." Total playing time on CD 1 is 70:20 minutes. Total playing time on CD 2 is 70:19 minutes. A very fine interpretation of Gershwin's "An American in Paris," among other selections is given, and it is 17:54 minutes of joy! All the musicians are excellent on this adventure, as is the interpretation of the Gershwin music! A fine investment.