Audio CD review:
George Gershwin, André Kostelanetz, Eugene Ormandy, New York Philharmonic, Morton Gould and His Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Oscar Levant - Levant Plays Gershwin

George Gershwin, André Kostelanetz, Eugene Ormandy, New York Philharmonic, Morton Gould and His Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Oscar Levant - Levant Plays Gershwin

Band: George Gershwin, André Kostelanetz, Eugene Ormandy, New York Philharmonic, Morton Gould and His Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Oscar Levant Title: Levant Plays Gershwin Rating: Release Date: 25 October, 1990 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Rhapsody in Blue 2: Second Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra 3: Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: I-Allegro 4: Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: II-Andante Con Moto 5: Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra: III-Allegro Con Brio 6: 'I Got Rhythm' Variations 7: Prelude I: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso 8: Prelude II: Andante Con Moto E Poco Rubato 9: Prelude III: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso

Customer Reviews A Musical Portrait of New York City I don't think there has been a more accurate musical portrait of New York City than "Rhapsody in Blue". We, in the states, can be very proud of our own American composers such as Ives, Copland, Barber, and especially George Gershwin. You can just see in your mind the people bustling about, the taxis honking and subways shaking the ground. Then the sweeping horns vividly paint the city skyline in all majesty. Infused with the spirit of jazz (our own American folk-music and art form), the rhapsody exemplifies American spirit of inginuity and progress. The other pieces are also quite good especially the solo piano pieces which are also quite jazz-like while maintaining the integrity of being truly "Classical". These versions are old but worth it. The sound quality is somewhat lacking, but the there is a certain spontineaty to Levant's performance; as if he is one with the music of Gershwin. Comparisons for Rhapsody in Blue: Bernstein (piano & conductor) Earl Wild/Arthur Feidler/Boston Pops Orch. . Levant is One of the Best Gerschwin Interpreters Never the lead, but a fabulous sidekick for many of the leading men of the era. I first knew Oscar Levant as a film star. He always took a turn at the piano in his films. When a movie features that kind of thing, it's usually a piece of fakery. I noticed, though, that Levant was actually doing his own piano playing. This led me to start looking into his career as a pianist. Turns out he's an incredibly good interpreter of Gerschwin tunes (one of my favorite composers). Two reasons I don't give this a five star rating: not all the recordings are ones I'd have chosen for myself and I wonder if they could have done better with the digitizing of the music. Nevertheless, this is an excellent addition to a Gerschwin collection. Unfortunately, it's also just about the only Levant music CD available. Hmmm... It isn't that the interpretations re bad, but the sound is not admirable. This disc is not what you want if you are looking for a mainstream Gershwin disc. If you are a Gershwin connosieur, sure, this is a great disc. But don't get it unless you know you want it. . You can see a complete list of all George Gershwin, André Kostelanetz, Eugene Ormandy, New York Philharmonic, Morton Gould and His Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Oscar Levant discography, or go back to the George Gershwin, André Kostelanetz, Eugene Ormandy, New York Philharmonic, Morton Gould and His Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Oscar Levant tabs