Dive into the rich tapestry of American music with "Gershwin: Selections from Porgy and Bess & Blue Monday," a captivating album released in 1998 by the legendary George Gershwin. This album, brought to life by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra under the baton of Erich Kunzel, offers a stunning collection of selections from Gershwin's iconic opera "Porgy and Bess," along with the lesser-known but equally enchanting "Blue Monday."
The album spans a generous 1 hour and 11 minutes, featuring 18 tracks that showcase the genius of George Gershwin's compositional prowess. From the hauntingly beautiful "Summertime" to the lively and spirited "It Ain't Necessarily So," each piece is performed with precision and passion by a stellar cast of vocalists, including Harolyn Blackwell, Angela Brown, Marquita Lister, and the inimitable Cab Calloway. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra's dynamic performance brings Gershwin's scores to life, making this album a treasure trove for both classical and jazz enthusiasts.
"Gershwin: Selections from Porgy and Bess & Blue Monday" is a testament to Gershwin's enduring legacy, blending the soulful rhythms of ragtime with the grandeur of classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Gershwin's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album promises an unforgettable journey through some of the most beloved and timeless pieces in American music history.
Porgy and Bess, Act I: IntroductionGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Porgy and Bess, Act I: SummertimeGeorge Gershwin, Erich Kunzel, Harolyn Blackwell, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Porgy and Bess, Act I: A Woman Is a Sometime ThingGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act I: Gone, Gone, GoneGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act I: OverflowGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister
Porgy and Bess, Act I: My Man's Gone NowGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Angela Brown
Porgy and Bess, Act I: Leavin' for the Promise Lan'George Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister
Porgy and Bess, Act II: I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'George Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act II: Bess, You Is My Woman NowGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act II: Oh, I Can't Sit DownGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Cab Calloway
Porgy and Bess, Act II: I Ain't Got No ShameGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Cab Calloway
Porgy and Bess, Act II: It Ain't Necessarily SoGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Cab Calloway
Porgy and Bess, Act II: I Loves You, PorgyGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act III: Opening SceneGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Angela Brown, Sebronette Barnes
Porgy and Bess, Act III: Lonely BoyGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Angela Brown, Marquita Lister
Porgy and Bess, Act III: Oh, Bess, O Where's My BessGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Angela Brown, Sebronette Barnes, Gregg Baker
Porgy and Bess, Act III: Oh, Lawd, I'm on My WayGeorge Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker
Blue Monday (Opera à la Afro-American)George Gershwin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, Marquita Lister, Gregg Baker, William Henry Caldwell, Lawrence Craig, Kirk Walker, Thomas Young