Vyacheslav Gryaznov's 'Rhapsody in Black' was inspired by the 1986 film-opera production of George Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess', conducted by Simon Rattle.
Compositional Technique
The second movement of 'Rhapsody in Black' uses two contrasting themes from 'Porgy and Bess' — Clara's 'Lullaby' and 'It Ain't Necessarily So' — to portray Bess's dual nature.
Compositional Technique
Vyacheslav Gryaznov's 'Rhapsody in Black' is structured in three parts, continuing the story of Porgy from George Gershwin's opera 'Porgy and Bess' as he arrives in New York.
Composition History
The initial idea for 'Rhapsody in Black' was a piano concerto, but it began as a two-piano arrangement at the suggestion of Russian pianist Nikolay Petrov.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Vyacheslav Gryaznov, the arranger of the works on this album, connects both rhapsodies to New York City, each exploring a different narrative.
Performer Biography
Wayne Marshall, the conductor on this album, was a member of the 1993 production of George Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess'.
Composition History
Vyacheslav Gryaznov dedicated 'Rhapsody in Black' to Nikolay Petrov, the Russian pianist who inspired the piece, after Petrov suffered a stroke and died shortly before the premiere.
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