Immerse yourself in the timeless masterpiece of George Gershwin with the iconic "Porgy and Bess." Released on January 1, 1989, under the Warner Classics label, this album is a quintessential collection of ragtime compositions that have captivated audiences for generations. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a rich tapestry of musical storytelling, featuring a vibrant cast of characters and unforgettable melodies.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Summertime" to the lively and rhythmic "Oh, I can't sit down," Gershwin's genius shines through in every track. The album is a complete performance of the opera "Porgy and Bess," taking you through its three acts with a seamless blend of solo and choral performances. Each scene is meticulously crafted, offering a glimpse into the lives of the inhabitants of Catfish Row, a fictional neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina.
Gershwin's unique ability to blend classical and jazz elements creates a sound that is both sophisticated and accessible. The album is a testament to his innovative spirit and enduring influence on American music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Gershwin's work or a newcomer to his compositions, "Porgy and Bess" is an essential addition to any music collection. Let the enchanting melodies and powerful narratives of this album transport you to a world of rich musical tradition and timeless beauty.
This is a 1984 Reissue released as a LP.
Tracks
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 1, Scene 1: Introduction (Jasbo Brown, Chorus)George Gershwin, Wayne Marshall, Glyndebourne Chorus, Sir Simon Rattle, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 1, Scene 1: "Summertime" (Clara, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Glyndebourne Chorus, Harolyn Blackwell, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 1, Scene 1: "Give him to me" (Jake, Mingo, Sporting Life, Clara, Robbins, Baby, Peter, Lily, Maria, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Barrington Coleman, Bruce Hubbard, Damon Evans, Glyndebourne Chorus, Harolyn Blackwell, Johnny Worth, Linda Thompson, Marietta Simpson, Maureen Brathwaite, Mervin Wallace, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 1, Scene 2: "My man's gone now" (Serena, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Cynthia Clarey, Glyndebourne Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 1, Scene 2: "How de saucer stan' now, my sister? (Undertaker, Serena, Jake, Porgy)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Autris Paige, Bruce Hubbard, Cynthia Clarey, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 1, Scene 2: "Oh, the train is at the station (Bess, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Cynthia Haymon, Glyndebourne Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 2, Scene 1: "Oh, I'm agoin' out to the Blackfish banks" (Jake, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Bruce Hubbard, Glyndebourne Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 2, Scene 1: "Mus' be you mens forgot about de picnic" - "Oh, I got plenty o' nuttin'" (Annie, Jake, Clara, Porgy, Serena, Maria, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Bruce Hubbard, Cynthia Clarey, Glyndebourne Chorus, Harolyn Blackwell, Marietta Simpson, Paula Ingram, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 2, Scene 1: "Lissen there, what I tells you" (Maria, Serena, Sporting Life)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Cynthia Clarey, Damon Evans, Marietta Simpson, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 2, Scene 1: The Buzzard Song. "Buzzard keep on flyin' over" (Porgy, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Glyndebourne Chorus, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 2, Scene 1: "Honey, we sure goin' strut our stuff today!" - "Bess, you is my woman now" (Jake, Porgy, Bess)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Bruce Hubbard, Cynthia Haymon, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 2, Scene 1: "Oh, I can't sit down" (Maria, Bess, Porgy, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Cynthia Haymon, Glyndebourne Chorus, Marietta Simpson, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 2, Scene 2: "It ain't necessarily so" (Sporting Life, Serena, Maria, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Cynthia Clarey, Damon Evans, Glyndebourne Chorus, Marietta Simpson, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 2, Scene 2: "Oh, what you want wid Bess?" (Bess, Crown)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Cynthia Haymon, Gregg Baker, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 2, Scene 4: "A red-headed woman" (Crown, Clara, Bess, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Cynthia Haymon, Glyndebourne Chorus, Gregg Baker, Harolyn Blackwell, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 3, Scene 2: "There's a boat dat's leavin' soon for New York" (Sporting Life, Bess)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Cynthia Haymon, Damon Evans, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 3, Scene 3: "Dem white folks sure ain' put nuttin' over on this baby" (Porgy, Lily)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Maureen Brathwaite, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 3, Scene 3: "Here Mingo, what's de matter wid you all?" (Porgy)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 3, Scene 3: "Bess, tell me quick where's Bess" (Porgy, Maria, Serena)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Cynthia Clarey, Marietta Simpson, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 3, Scene 3: "Bess is gone" (Lily, Porgy, Serena, Mingo, Maria, Clara, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Barrington Coleman, Cynthia Clarey, Glyndebourne Chorus, Harolyn Blackwell, Marietta Simpson, Maureen Brathwaite, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gershwin: Porgy and Bess, Act 3, Scene 3: "Oh Lawd, I'm on my way" (Porgy, Chorus)George Gershwin, Sir Simon Rattle, Glyndebourne Chorus, Willard White, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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