Pro Arte Guitar Trio plays the music of Leonard Bernstein & George Gershwin – America

Pro Arte Guitar Trio – America: The Music of Leonard Bernstein & George Gershwin

A vibrant and inventive collection, America sees the acclaimed Pro Arte Guitar Trio reinterpreting the music of two of America’s greatest composers, George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein, through the unique textures and intimacy of classical guitar.

Combining jazz influences, Broadway melodies and classical sophistication, the album highlights the remarkable versatility of both composers’ work. The trio’s arrangements bring fresh perspective to familiar themes, preserving their rhythmic vitality and emotional depth while revealing new colours and nuances through three interwoven guitars.

The programme opens with selections from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, including beloved standards such as Summertime, It Ain’t Necessarily So and I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’. These are complemented by Gershwin’s Three Preludes and smaller-scale works that showcase his gift for blending classical forms with jazz-inspired rhythms.

The second half of the album is devoted to Bernstein’s West Side Story, featuring beautifully arranged versions of Maria, America, Tonight, I Feel Pretty and Somewhere. The trio captures both the energy and lyricism of the original score while offering a distinctive chamber-music interpretation.

Elegant, engaging and richly melodic, America is a rewarding recording for classical listeners, guitar enthusiasts and admirers of American music alike.

Tracklist

Suite from Porgy & Bess (Arr. Bruinsma)

1. Jasbo Brown Blues – 3:03
2. Summertime – 2:27
3. It Ain't Necessarily So – 2:07
4. Oh, I Can't Sit Down – 1:58
5. Bess, You Is My Woman Now – 2:40
6. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin' – 2:53

Three Preludes

7. No. 1 – Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso – 1:32
8. No. 2 – Andante Con Moto E Poco Rubato – 3:11
9. No. 3 – Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso – 1:14
10. Lullaby – 8:12
11. Impromptu in Two Keys – 1:04
12. Three-Quarter Blues – 0:43

Suite from West Side Story (Arr. Burley)

13. Prologue – 2:55
14. Something's Coming – 2:27
15. Maria – 2:32
16. America – 2:40
17. One Hand, One Heart – 2:50
18. Tonight – 3:11
19. I Feel Pretty – 3:03
20. Somewhere – 2:04
21. Gee, Officer Krupke – 2:16
22. A Boy Like That – 1:37
23. Finale – 4:08