Porgy & Bess Revisited

"Porgy & Bess Revisited" is a captivating chamber music album that breathes new life into the timeless compositions of George Gershwin's iconic opera "Porgy and Bess." Released on November 15, 2019, under the Orchid Classics label, this 43-minute album features the virtuoso violinist Nicolas Dautricourt, alongside Pascal Schumacher on vibraphone and Knut Erik Sundquist on double bass. The trio masterfully reimagines the beloved songs, infusing them with a contemporary charm while preserving the original's playfulness, passion, wit, and haunting melancholy.

The album comprises eleven tracks, each offering a unique interpretation of Gershwin's classic pieces. From the sultry "Bess, You Is My Woman Now" to the iconic "Summertime Revisited (After Gershwin)" and the witty "It Ain’t Necessarily So," Dautricourt and his companions navigate the spectrum of human experiences with finesse and sensitivity. The album also includes original compositions, such as "Porgy Sketch 1," "Backstab (After Gershwin)," and "A Porgy Duction (After Gershwin)," which seamlessly blend with the reimagined Gershwin pieces, creating a cohesive and engaging listening experience.

"Porgy & Bess Revisited" is a testament to the enduring power of Gershwin's music and the boundless creativity of Nicolas Dautricourt and his collaborators. This album is an excellent addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection, offering a fresh perspective on beloved songs and a showcase of the artists' exceptional talents.