Hi guys. I mainly write reviews about music but the odd product I have around the house might get re...
Hi guys. I mainly write reviews about music but the odd product I have around the house might get reviewed every now and then. I am currently training to be an opera singer so anyone with the same interest get in touch.
Member since:16.08.2006
Reviews:7
Members who trust:15
This is one of the world's most famous pieces of music in its best form.
How did I get to this conclusion?
Well let's start by splitting the composition up....
Section 1: Intro and main theme
Section 2: Variation of main theme
Section 3: Rag Time Piano section
Section 4: Romantic Strings
Section 5: Return of main theme and finale
Gershwin was often criticised by his piers for this piece with comments of its repetition and lack of imagination. I feel that, although it does repeat a lot, this piece explores dynamic and timbre to very exciting levels leaving the listener with a mediocre piece if badly performed or an amazing emotional and visual piece if performed well.
Sections 1 and 2: We start by hearing this intoxicating trill on the clarinet that slides into the first rendition of the main theme. The tone of the player is exceptional and sets the quality of musicianship that will follow in the rest of the piece.
The dynamic and contrast of the instruments in this first section provide a gratifying but not fully satisfying level of excitement by almost start stopping all the way through. It is like they are following a bus route; fast slow fast slow all the way through. This continues until we reach the variation section when the piano becomes very strong and almost encourages the other instruments to get their act together and create some energy. This links through to the end of the second section when we get what is almost like a mini finale before it descends into the piano Rag Time section.
Section 3:
This section was originaly improvised by Gershwin on the night of the first performance and scored later on. This gives it a very edgy and un-orderly effect that serves the piece well if done correctly. Some versions I have heard treat this section with too much respect and play it as if they were playing a Bach fugue, but the pianist (Michael Boriskin) in this version gets it just right, he honours the melody while adding an element of spontaneity and adventure at the same time.
Section 4: In most other versions this is my least favourite part. It is often like being thrown back in time and listening to a wireless whilst awaiting an evening of bombing during the Blitz. In this version, however, it's as if you have got in the plane and given the Nazi's a run for their money., The tempo changes and contrast between strings creates this by phasing in and out of time slightly creating a very interesting sound. This is complemented with a frantic piano trill section that leads into the finale.
Section 5: This is the section that will get the shivers on your neck, spine and any other place you have feeling!!!! What was held in reserve at the start of the piece during the main theme is brought forward and launched at your ears in this section. It doesn't just blast away though. It still uses a good contrast between instruments and allows the Brass section to become more dominant that the String and when the percussion arrives........WOW!!! The suspense and anticipation are finally blown away when you hear that main theme all guns blazing!!!!
A Superb version of the Composition....
OTHER SONGS ON THE CD
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in F A piece that grows on you after a while, nothing magical but still nice melodic phrases. Nothing to write home about.
Variations on 'I Got Rhythm' What's wrong with the un-variated version? Not brilliant but interesting nether the less.
Second Rhapsody for piano and orchestra
Not had chance to analyse this yet but looks like it has a lot of potential I may update this review in the future.
OVERALL
Worth buying just for the first track!!!!!
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