Porgy and Bess
Donald Macleod explores the poignant story of George Gershwin's unhappy last months, spent in Hollywood, and the effect of his death on his beloved brother Ira.
When George Gershwin died at the age of 38, he was at the height of his compositional powers, and teeming with ideas. In the final programme of the week, Donald Macleod explores the poignant story of his unhappy final months, spent in Hollywood away from his home in New York - and the effect that his tragic premature death had on his beloved brother Ira.
We also hear arguably the two finest works of Gershwin's final years - the dazzling "Variations on 'I Got Rhythm'" for piano and orchestra - performed in an archive recording by the composer's great friend Oscar Levant - and two complete scenes from Gershwin's operatic masterpiece, "Porgy and Bess".
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Music Played
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George Gershwin & Brian Wilson
Love Is Here To Stay,
Performer: Brian Wilson (vocals)
- WALT DISNEY:42890.
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George Gershwin
Pardon My English (excerpts): Overture; in three quarter time; Isn't it a pity
Performer: Bauer - John Cullum, Golo/Michael - William Katt, Ilse – Michelle Nicastro, Orchestra of St Luke’s, Eric Stern (conductor)
- SONY CLASSICAL: MPK47681.
- 3.
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George Gershwin
Variations On I Got Rhythm (1934)
Performer: Oscar Levant (piano), Morton Gould and his orchestra
- SONY CLASSICAL: MPK47681.
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George Gershwin
Porgy and Bess (1935): Act II, Scene 2
Performer: Porgy - Willard White, Bess - Cynthia Haymon, Sporting Life - Damon Evans, Serena - Cynthia Clarey, Maria – Marietta Simpson, Crown - Gregg Baker, Glyndebourne Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Simon Rattle (conductor)
- EMI: 5562202.
- 10.
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George Gershwin
Porgy and Bess (1935): Act II, Scene 3
Performer: Porgy - Willard White, Bess - Cynthia Haymon, Sporting Life - Damon Evans, Serena - Cynthia Clarey, Maria – Marietta Simpson, Crown - Gregg Baker, Glyndebourne Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Simon Rattle (conductor)
- EMI: 5562202.
- 14.
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George Gershwin
Ive Got Beginners Luck (1937)
Performer: Fred Astaire (vocals), The Johnny Green Orchestra
- CONIFER CDSVL :199.
- 12.
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George Gershwin
Pardon My English (excerpts): Overture; in three quarter time; Isn't it a pity
Performer: Bauer - John Cullum, Golo/Michael - William Katt, Ilse – Michelle Nicastro, Orchestra of St Luke’s, Eric Stern (conductor)
- SONY CLASSICAL: MPK47681.
- 3.
![]()
George Gershwin
Variations On I Got Rhythm (1934)
Performer: Oscar Levant (piano), Morton Gould and his orchestra
- SONY CLASSICAL: MPK47681.
![]()
George Gershwin
Porgy and Bess (1935): Act II, Scene 2
Performer: Porgy - Willard White, Bess - Cynthia Haymon, Sporting Life - Damon Evans, Serena - Cynthia Clarey, Maria – Marietta Simpson, Crown - Gregg Baker, Glyndebourne Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Simon Rattle (conductor)
- EMI: 5562202.
- 10.
![]()
George Gershwin
Porgy and Bess (1935): Act II, Scene 3
Performer: Porgy - Willard White, Bess - Cynthia Haymon, Sporting Life - Damon Evans, Serena - Cynthia Clarey, Maria – Marietta Simpson, Crown - Gregg Baker, Glyndebourne Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Simon Rattle (conductor)
- EMI: 5562202.
- 14.
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George Gershwin
Ive Got Beginners Luck (1937)
Performer: Fred Astaire (vocals), The Johnny Green Orchestra
- CONIFER CDSVL :199.
- 12.
Broadcasts
- Fri 20 May 201112:00BBC Radio 3
- Fri 20 May 201118:00BBC Radio 3
- Fri 15 Feb 201312:00BBC Radio 3
- Fri 15 Feb 201318:30BBC Radio 3
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