IDAGIO | Gershwin: An American in Paris - Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite 747313120574

Featuring

Gerard Schwarz
Seattle Symphony
George Gershwin
Ferde Grofé

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Composer Biography

Before becoming a full-time musician, Ferde Grofé, who composed the Grand Canyon Suite, worked a variety of jobs including bookbinder, truck-driver, usher, newsboy, and steelworker.

Composer Biography

Ferde Grofé, the composer of the Grand Canyon Suite, came from a musical family; his mother was a cellist and music teacher, and his maternal grandfather and uncle were both associated with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Performer Biography

Gerard Schwarz, the conductor on this album, was the Music Director of the Seattle Symphony from 1985 to 2011 and has received numerous awards, including two Emmy Awards and thirteen GRAMMY® nominations.

Composition History

George Gershwin, composer of An American in Paris, loved Parisian taxi horns so much that he brought some back to America with him.

Recording & Production

The Seattle Symphony, featured on this album, performs in Benaroya Hall, which is described as one of the world's finest concert venues with superb acoustics.

Performer Biography

Charles Butler, the principal trumpet on this recording, previously served as Principal Trumpet for the Israel Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta.

Composition History

Ferde Grofé, who composed the Grand Canyon Suite, gained significant recognition after orchestrating George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue in 1924, a collaboration that brought him immediate notice.