They made me cry tonight.
This evening I watched a concert. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra led by the brilliant young conductor Gustavo Dudamel, with guest pianist the great Herbie Hancock. The orchestra performed an all George Gershwin program of his An American in Paris, and Rhapsody in Blue. It took place at The Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
The earliest music I can remember is Gershwin – either it was always on the radio, or my parents must have always had it on, as we called all record players at that time, the Victrola. As the strains of An American in Paris, played by this most marvelous orchestra, washed over me, I was immediately connected on a very visceral level to my childhood…to perhaps when I was in my crib. These melodies have always done this to me…they reside deep in my…
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Barking In The Dark 
Haven’t heard much from you lately, Tony. Hope your busy and okay. I have been recently fascinated with the 1924 recording of “Rhapsody in Blue” because it’s so different. To me, it’s the truest and rawest version. Don’t get me wrong, I have several versions I like. A lot. But something about this first one. Maybe it really captures the Jazz Age “roaring twenties” of New York City’s past.
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Posted by Marc Thorner | October 22, 2014, 2:33 pmis that the one with Gershwin on piano?
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Posted by barkinginthedark | August 23, 2015, 4:56 pmYes!!! recorded right before microphones where invented.. You can even hear banjos…
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Posted by Marc Thorner | August 23, 2015, 7:17 pmyes…it’s too wonderful to hear him play his work…and how about the breakneck speed with which he performs it? thanks Marc.
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Posted by barkinginthedark | August 23, 2015, 9:50 pmAh, the speed!!! Lots of discussion about that!!! One explanation is that the record speed of 78rpm only gave your a 15 per side recording time. On a similar note, an actual recording of Gustav Holst actually conducting “The Planets”, “Mars, The Bringer of War” (also on a 78) Also is very fast!!!
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Posted by Marc Thorner | August 24, 2015, 7:19 amaha…things one didn’t know. thanks Marc.
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Posted by barkinginthedark | August 24, 2015, 12:40 pm