America, Vol. 2: George Gershwin, from Broadway to the Concert Hall

Featuring

Frank Braley
Jon Manasse
Jon Nakamatsu
Michael Sheppard
Steven Richman
Lincoln Mayorga

Al Gallodoro
Jeff Tyzik
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
George Gershwin
Earl Wild

Did you know?

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Composer Biography

At fifteen, George Gershwin left his business studies to work as a 'song-plugger' for a Tin Pan Alley publishing house, where he honed his piano skills for two years, ten hours a day.

Composition History

George Gershwin learned about the planned premiere of his 'jazz concerto' (which became Rhapsody in Blue) five weeks before it was due, from a newspaper article.

Composer Biography

George Gershwin, sometimes called 'the American Mozart', died suddenly of a brain tumour in 1937, before his 39th birthday.

Composer Biography

George Gershwin, who grew up in the streets of New York, was not a child prodigy; he began playing piano on an instrument bought for his older brother, Ira.

Composer's Artistic Vision

George Gershwin's 'rhapsodic ballet' An American in Paris, according to him, was inspired by both the contemplation of the Hudson River and the bustling 'Parisian life'.