Experience the timeless genius of George Gershwin with "Gershwin: Selections from Porgy and Bess & Blue Monday," a captivating album released in 1998 under the Telarc label. This album is a treasure trove of Gershwin's iconic compositions, featuring selections from his renowned opera "Porgy and Bess" and the lively "Blue Monday."
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album offers a rich tapestry of 18 tracks that showcase Gershwin's unparalleled talent in blending classical and ragtime elements. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, under the baton of Erich Kunzel, brings these compositions to life with a vibrant and dynamic performance.
The album opens with the stirring introduction from "Porgy and Bess," followed by beloved classics such as "Summertime," "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'," and "It Ain't Necessarily So." Each track is a testament to Gershwin's ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners, blending rich harmonies and memorable melodies.
"Blue Monday," the final track, adds a playful and energetic conclusion to the album, showcasing Gershwin's versatility and his knack for creating infectious rhythms. Whether you're a longtime fan of Gershwin's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is a delightful journey through some of his most celebrated pieces.
Porgy and Bess, Act I: IntroductionGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Porgy and Bess, Act I: SummertimeGeorge Gershwin, Erich Kunzel, Harolyn Blackwell, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Porgy and Bess, Act I: A Woman Is a Sometime ThingGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act I: Gone, Gone, GoneGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act I: OverflowGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister
Porgy and Bess, Act I: My Man's Gone NowGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Angela Brown
Porgy and Bess, Act I: Leavin' for the Promise Lan'George Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister
Porgy and Bess, Act II: I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'George Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act II: Bess, You Is My Woman NowGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act II: Oh, I Can't Sit DownGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Cab Calloway
Porgy and Bess, Act II: I Ain't Got No ShameGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Cab Calloway
Porgy and Bess, Act II: It Ain't Necessarily SoGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Cab Calloway
Porgy and Bess, Act II: I Loves You, PorgyGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act III: Opening SceneGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Angela Brown, Sebronette Barnes
Porgy and Bess, Act III: Lonely BoyGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Angela Brown, Marquita Lister
Porgy and Bess, Act III: Oh, Bess, O Where's My BessGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Angela Brown, Sebronette Barnes, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act III: Oh, Lawd, I'm on My WayGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker
Blue Monday (Opera à la Afro-American)George Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker, William Henry Caldwell, Lawrence Craig, Kirk Walker, Thomas Young