George Gershwin (1898-1937)

1) gershwin plays gershwin: the piano rolls This Elektra Nonesuch CD is a gem. The composer himself recorded these piano rolls, and recently, Artis Wodehouse played back these rolls on a Yamaha Disklavier (a computer-driven descendant of the player piano) and recorded the music digitally, capturing note for note the composer's own arrangements of his music. I originally wanted this just for Gershwin's rendering of Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris, but his Sweet and Lowdown is just lovely, and the rest of the album grew on me. And yes, the two pieces I originally bought this album for are exquisite.

2) George gershwin : the piano rolls Volume Two This Elektra Nonesuch CD is another gem. While most of the pieces Gershwin performs here were composed by other people, they are indicative of the musical forces which inspired Gershwin, and his performances add to the originals in that he fancies them up a bit.

Listen to MIDI files for an idea what this music sounds like*:
Rialto Ripples Rag (arranged for 3 guitars)

* Keep in mind these are only MIDI files and not live or CD quality performances


I'll add more as I find enough information to give a decent listing. I listen to more than I have in my cd collection, and by no means own cd's of all my favorite pieces.

Copyright 1998, kye@icsi.net

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