George Gershwin: His Life and Work

Book Description

This comprehensive biography of George Gershwin (1898-1937) unravels the myths surrounding one of America's most celebrated composers and establishes the enduring value of his music. Gershwin created some of the most beloved music of the twentieth century and, along with Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter, helped make the golden age of Broadway golden. Howard Pollack draws from a wealth of sketches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, books, articles, recordings, films, and other materials--including a large cache of Gershwin scores discovered in a Warner Brothers warehouse in 1982--to create an expansive chronicle of Gershwin's meteoric rise to fame. He also traces Gershwin's powerful presence that, even today, extends from Broadway, jazz clubs, and film scores to symphony halls and opera houses.
Pollack's lively narrative describes Gershwin's family, childhood, and education; his early career as a pianist; his friendships and romantic life; his relation to various musical trends; his writings on music; his working methods; and his tragic death at the age of 38. Unlike Kern, Berlin, and Porter, who mostly worked within the confines of Broadway and Hollywood, Gershwin actively sought to cross the boundaries between high and low, and wrote works that crossed over into a realm where art music, jazz, and Broadway met and merged. The author surveys Gershwin's entire oeuvre, from his first surviving compositions to the melodies that his brother and principal collaborator, Ira Gershwin, lyricized after his death. Pollack concludes with an exploration of the performances and critical reception of Gershwin's music over the years, from his time to ours.

Customer Reviews:

Genius writes about genius.......2007-05-11

We usually apply the term genius to the subject of a biography. With the writing of Howard Pollack, one can also apply that term to the biographer.

When I first heard that Pollack was at work on a biography of Gershwin, I was saddened to think that he would be devoting his time to someone who had been the subject of so many biographies. I thought, what else was there to be said about Gershwin, but when I recalled the balanced and thoroughly considered approach he brought to his biography of Copland, I was curious to read what he would write. Not only was I not disappointed, I was overwhelmed.

Pollack does not question the actions of his subjects, he reports and tells a story, leaving the reader to make his or her own judgements. There is no attempt to sensationalize anything as he lets the facts speak for themselves. Pollack treats his subjects with the greatest respect without losing sight of their humanity. He brings great dignity to his writing and to his subjects.

His use of the language is transparent. You are never slowed down by his words. When he writes about music, Pollack has a remarkable ability to engage both the musician and non-musician alike. As with his volume on Copland, you sense he knows the music so well that he can intuit what the composer intended with each new work. He seeks out so much of the related material one would think he has devoted his entire life to the study of his subjects. You are aware of the detail, but not overwhelmed or encumbered by it.

I found the quotes from Michael Feinstein to be very informative. Feinstein, is not only the great exponent of popular music of the tradition of Gershwin, Kern, Berlin, et al; he is also one of the most informed in the music of that period. The time Feinstein spent as Ira Gershwin's assistant lends credibility to his perspective and recollections, and adds great insight to both the humanity and the music of Gershwin.

This volume is as close to an encapsulation of Gershwin's life and works as one could hope to find in words.

THE Gershwin study.......2006-12-06

Gershwin buffs, run, don't walk to get this book. Pollack has written the definitive study of both "The Life" and "The Work," as per his two fat sections.

Pollack's book is, for one, the first Gershwin bio that takes advantage of the discovery of mountains of original orchestra parts for Golden Age musical theatre scores in a Secaucus warehouse in the early eighties. As such, Pollack analyzes Gershwin's theatre scores closely just as classical music scholars can attend to Mozart or Haydn's works.

Earlier bios could only address the scores largely on the basis of the songs from each score that happened to be published as sheet music, with only a handful of the scores then existing as full piano-vocal scores or as latter-day abridged and heavily adapted recordings. But over the past two decades, most of Gershwin's significant scores have been recorded in full from the discovered materials, such that via these recordings as well as examining the original materials himself, Pollack can address the work as it was presented when it was new, i.e. chorus numbers, character songs not published as sheets, incidental music, etc. Given that musicals constituted the bulk of Gershwin's output in his short life, this alone makes Pollack's book invaluable.

In addition, some Gershwin bios have been written by people focused on pulling him down, devoted to revealing him as an undereducated, boorish parvenu (i.e. the ones by Charles Schwartz and Joan Peyser). Pollack's sleuthing and interviews conclusively demonstrate that these evaluations were incorrect: Gershwin pursued serious musical training throughout his life, it shows in his work, and socially, he was a beloved, charming person who was deeply mourned at his death.

Pollack has truly done his homework, such that just about any question one might have about Gershwin is exhaustively answered. For each show he chronicles not only the score and its critical reception in New York, but also its London and even Australian versions if there were any, all of the revivals across the US, and its recordings -- and he does this even starting with the obscure early efforts. He is equally thorough re Gershwin's concert music.

It should be said that those seeking further engagement with the raison d'etre of Joan Peyser's THE MEMORY OF ALL THAT, the story that Gershwin fathered a love child with a chorus girl and paid him and his mother off to keep it quiet, will not be satisfied. Pollack briefly addresses objections to that thesis from some quarters since Peyser's book was published -- but, in my view, neglects the rather damning facts that 1) said love child looks exactly like Gershwin and 2)was supported in his claim to have made regular visits to Gershwin's apartment by none other than Gershwin's valet. As such, one must consult various sources pre- and post-Peyser to come to conclusions about that issue. One suspects that Pollack, having been granted interviews from surviving keepers of the Gershwin flame, opted on that particular subject to step around giving offense. He is not to be faulted for this.

It should also be said, however, that inevitably of a work so dazzlingly complete, this book is not one most people would want to read from front to back. It is, in its way, a reference book set in prose. There are times when Pollack seems almost obsessive -- such as bringing vast study to bear upon locating the purchase by Gershwin's parents of a piano in precisely late 1910, or letting us know (based on a chance message from abroad) that OH, KAY played in translation in Sweden, or informing us via close examination of the original arrangement of RHAPSODY IN BLUE -- not later arrangements, but the original one, mind you -- that one player doubled on bass and tuba.

But this degree of obsession is what real scholarship is, and though for most it will be a book to jump around in than to read page for page, Pollack has given us an authoritative masterpiece. I am in awe of the man, and happy to have this one on my shelves forever.

Music Minus One Piano: Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue (Book & CD Set)

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Music Minus One Piano: Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue (Book & CD Set)

Manufacturer: Music Minus One
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1596150777

Book Description

Performed by Nayden Todorov, piano; Accompaniment: Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra; Conductor: Nayden Todorov Gershwin's masterpiece is now available in a thrilling MMO version! The piano concerto that transformed modern music and integrated jazz sensibilities into 'serious' music is a magical experience for player and listener alike. This deluxe edition includes a new enhanced -20% reduced-speed version for your practicing ease. This pack includes the printed score for solo piano with orchestral reduction; informative liner notes; and a digital stereo compact disc, voluminously indexed for your convenience, containing a complete version with soloist; then a second performance of the orchestral accompaniment, minus you, the soloist.

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Summertime
GREAT GERSHWIN!

50 Gershwin Classics

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1576237648

Product Description

An American in Paris * Bidin' My Time * By Strauss * Embraceable You * Funny Face * Isn't It a Pity * I Got Rhythm * In the Mandarin's Orchid Garden * Maybe * M y Cousin in Milwaukee * Slap That Bass * Swanee * They All Laughed * Love Is Sweeping the Country * High Hat and many more.

Customer Reviews:

Summertime .......2005-06-30

I am not a musician and so I cannot comment on what is really the heart of this work, the sheet music, its arrangements etc.
I would however say that it is a pleasure to look at the lyrics of the great Gershwin songs. And it is too a great pleasure to hum in mind and heart the tunes which still keep a lot of people humming and hoping in the world.
The Gershwins were the greatest brother team music ever knew.
Ira later on worked with many other first- rate composers and was a master of writing lyrics.
But it is the great George Gershwin taken from us early whose music seems to define not simply a whole era of music, the hope of jazz, and classic combined in a new folk popular swinging
and refined elegance.
The American soul for all time.

GREAT GERSHWIN!.......2004-09-08

This is one tremendous find! THe Gershwins wrote some very memorable tunes, and the piano arrangements (also includes vocals and guitar chords) are lush and exquisite! I have been looking for a book of Gershwin for piano awhile now and this is PERFECT! Lots of fun and pleasure, though it is not "EASY PIANO". Moderate ability is required, but you can always fake it by playing the chords and melody line. I love it!

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Rhapsody in Blue
A 2007 Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Younger Readers
No CD Included
Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue W /CD
Anna Harwell Celenza
Manufacturer: Charlesbridge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1570915563

Customer Reviews:

Rhapsody in Blue.......2007-02-19

Very nicely done...excellent for classroom use to teach the history and
circumstances surrounding the composition of the tune. I would use it in
conjunction with a unit on Tin Pan Alley or Gershwin, or music of the times. Great gift for aspiring pianists!

A 2007 Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Younger Readers.......2007-01-28

A fictionalized account of the creation of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" details how the composer was pressured to create a new concerto in just a few weeks, how he was inspired by the rhythm of a train ride, the klezmer band at his brother's Bar Mitzvah, the harmonies of nightclub dance music, ragtime, and the blues, and the enthusiastic reception the piece received at it's first performance. Kitchel's illustrations authentically depict the spirit of the roaring twenties, an author's note gives readers additional information, and the included CD recording provides added value.

No CD Included.......2006-12-22

This is a wonderful book but I was sad to discover after receiving not only my first order without a CD, but my second REPLACEMENT order as well, that Amazon does not include your CD recording with your purchase as described. I would recommend searching elsewhere for this book.

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.......2006-10-13

Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe arrived in the United States as learners of American culture and within a generation became its creators. In print, on stage and screen, on radio and in the world of music, their children created now iconic works which consciously or unconsciously melded their Jewish roots and American experiences. A prime example is George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, a work that contains elements of Jewish, ragtime and blues music. The concerto is a living example of how a "melting pot society" led to the development of a uniquely American art form.

Through invented dialogue, the author reconstructs Gershwin's thought processes as he begins to envision the music and then creates the work. The only mention of Gershwin's Jewish heritage are references to klezmer music - e.g. "the klezmer band at Ira's bar mitzvah" - but the term is not defined. The terms "ragtime" or "blues" are also not explained. In life, Gershwin was very much influenced not only by the Jewish music of his youth but also by his exposure to African American music.

The book offers a very well written and illustrated glimpse into the creative process of a musical genius and could serve to open further discussion with young readers on the contributions of Jews to American music.

A CD of Rhapsody in Blue (from an original piano roll played by Gershwin himself) accompanies the book. For ages 8-10. Reviewed by Norman H. Finkelstein

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Gershwin Remembered
Edward Jablonski
Manufacturer: Amadeus Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0931340438

Book Description

The life and work of Gershwin recalled by friends, colleagues, associates, and pupils, including Koussevitsky, Schoenberg, Richard Rodgers, and his brother Ira.

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Pardon My English - Vocal Score

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0769292011

The Complete Lyrics Of Ira Gershwin (Complete Lyrics)

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This collection rocks!
A must for all Gershwin fans

The Complete Lyrics Of Ira Gershwin (Complete Lyrics)
Robert Kimball
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0394556518
Release Date: 1993-11-16

Book Description

50 photographs in text.

Customer Reviews:

This collection rocks!.......2002-02-11

This collection kicks some butt! Robert Kimball does it again!

A must for all Gershwin fans.......1999-07-18

All I can say about this book is: 'Swonderful, 'smarvelous that such a book exists.

Product Description

Includes KR-A-ZY for You * I Can't Be Bothered Now * Bidin' My Time * Things Are Looking Up * Could You Use Me? * Shall We Dance? * Someone to Watch Over Me * S lap That Bass * Embraceable You * Tonight's the Night * I Got Rhythm * Stiff Upper Lip * They Can't Take That Away From Me * But Not For Me * Nice Work If You C an Get It.

Customer Reviews:

Great, Great Show........2005-08-07

I am doing this show in December and this was a really useful book to rehearse from! A brilliant buy!

The greatest musical I have ever read.......2001-11-02

This selection is a must have!!! When I saw the musical "Crazy for You" i knew that it was the best thing that my eyes have ever seen and thats why I started listening and watching musicals. This is a must have for everyone. The music is great and you will love it!!! I want to say even if you cant sing or cant act or anything like that you can always learn too and this is a great learning tool. GO NORTH VIKING'S DRAMA!!!

Great music, great arrangement, GREAT!.......2000-05-12

The music to "Crazy For You" is just plain fun, for lack of a better word. With classics like Embraceable You, Someone To Watch Over Me, I've Got Rhythm, They Can't Take That Away From Me, and more, how can anyone pass this up? For any music lover or lover of musicals, this songbook is a must-have for your collection.

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Charming Collection of Gershwin Songs
The greatness of the Gershwins
Songs

The Gershwin Collection
George Gershwin , and Ira Gershwin
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0793513367

Product Description

A comprehensive collection of 39 of George & Ira's best, including: Fascinating Rhythm How Long Has This Been Going On I Got Rhythm Let's Call the Whole Thing Off Love Walked In Nice Work If You Can Get It 'S Wonderful Someone to Watch Over Me Strike Up the Band They Can't Take That Away From Me and more. 'S Wonderful A Foggy Day A Woman Is A Sometime Thing Bess, You Is My Woman Bidin' My Time But Not For Me By Strauss Clap Yo' Hands Do, Do, Do Embraceable You Fascinating Rhythm For You, For Me, For Evermore How Long Has This Been Going On? I Got Plenty O' Nuttin' I Got Rhythm I Love To Rhyme I've Got A Crush On You It Ain't Necessarily So Let's Call The Whole Thing Off Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away) Love Is Here To Stay Love Is Sweeping The Country Love Walked In My Man's Gone Now Nice Work If You Can Get It Of Thee I Sing Oh Lawd I'm On My Way Oh, Lady Be Good! Shall We Dance? Slap That Bass Somebody Loves Me Someone To Watch Over Me Strike Up The Band Summertime Swanee The Man I Love The Real American Folk Song (Is A Rag) They All Laughed They Can't Take That Away From Me

Customer Reviews:

Charming Collection of Gershwin Songs.......2007-01-14

'The Gershwin Collection' is a collection of sheet music the most popular Gershwin songs. Piano transcriptions are provided as well as guitar chords above the staves and lyrics where applicable. There is barely any inclusion of any of Gershwin's symphonic or concert hall works. Almost all the works here are lifted straight from the most popular Gershwin Broadway shows and films, as well as the opera 'Porgy and Bess', often considered the first American folk opera. "Summertime," "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'," "A Woman Is A Sometime Thing," and "My Man's Gone Now" are among the works included from the opera 'Porgy and Bess.'

My favorite songs in this book are "Someone To Watch Over Me," "A Foggy Day," "Love Is Here to Stay," "Fascinating Rhythm," "You Can't Take That Away From Me," "But Not For Me," "The Man I Love," "I Got Rhythm," "Strike Up The Band," "Could You Use Me," "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off," "S'Wonderful," "Lady Be Good," "Somebody Loves Me" and "Love Walked In." You can smell the American songbook from a mile away, and these songs, together, take up a pretty big chunk of what is considered the American popular songbook.

The piano arrangements in 'The Gershwin Collection" are straightforward and fairly accurate. There is everything needed to produce a rendition of these Gershwin songs. With access to recordings of these songs, the musician can go even further to produce a performance with the style that these songs have taken on based on historical precedent of Judy Garland, Charlie Parker, and Ella Fitzgerald.

The simplicity, innocence, authenticity, purity, beauty, and honesty of these tunes draw me into them emotionally and intellectually, making me want to play them and listen to them. This book helps to bridge the two and brings me to a greater appreciation of the songs. Thank you, George Gershiwn. And Ira, too.

The greatness of the Gershwins .......2006-01-01

Collected here are many of the true standards, the true classical works of American song. These are the songs played through the Muzak, the songs at the background of so much of American life and experience.
I confess to walking and singing many of these songs as I go. There is a special spirit in them, a spirit of youth and yes a spirit of American optimism and freedom. Even the songs of disappointed love have in them a kind of optimism given by what might be called the 'elegance and tenderness of their beauty'.
I have never read or heard a real analysis of 'Summertime ' and 'Embraceable you' of 'I got rhythm' or 'It Ain't Necessarily so' but my sense the vitality, the vibrancy of youth is at the heart of these songs. And then too a real sympathy with suffering.

Songs.......2000-04-07

I myself take voice lessons and all the pieces I sing are taken from this book. It is full of wonderful Gershwin songs and is a great buy.

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