Gershwin – Jeffrey Siegel, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin – Concert Works

George Gershwin – Jeffrey Siegel, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin – Concert Works

Experience the distinctive fusion of classical music and jazz that made George Gershwin one of the most important American composers of the 20th century. Concert Works brings together three of his best-known compositions, featuring pianist Jeffrey Siegel with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin.

The programme opens with Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, composed in 1925 following the phenomenal success of Rhapsody in Blue. Unlike Rhapsody, Gershwin conceived the work as a traditional three-movement piano concerto, while incorporating the rhythms, harmonies and energy of jazz. From the driving Allegro to the lyrical Andante con moto and fiery Allegro agitato, the concerto demonstrates Gershwin’s ability to combine concert-hall sophistication with the unmistakable character of American popular music.

Also included is the legendary Rhapsody in Blue, one of Gershwin’s defining works and a landmark in the history of American music. First performed in 1924, it famously brought together elements of jazz and classical composition, opening with the celebrated clarinet glissando before moving through blues-inspired melodies, syncopated rhythms and sweeping orchestral passages.

The CD concludes with I Got Rhythm Variations, Gershwin’s inventive concert treatment of the song from the 1930 musical Girl Crazy. Built around the instantly recognisable I Got Rhythm theme, the piece transforms popular material into a dazzling set of variations for piano and orchestra.

With three essential Gershwin compositions in one programme, Concert Works is an excellent choice for listeners interested in George Gershwin, American classical music, jazz-influenced orchestral music and piano concertos.

Tracklist

Piano Concerto In F

1. Allegro
2. Andante Con Moto
3. Allegro Agitato
4. Rhapsody In Blue
5. I Got Rhythm Variations