George Gershwin: Gershwin Centennial Edition - Sämtl.Orchesterwerke auf 2 CDs

This two-CD collection is a compilation of Gershwin's orchestral works performed by the Cincinnati Pops under the baton of Erich Kunzel. It was recorded by Telarc over a sixteen-year period, beginning in 1981 with the recording of An American in Paris and ending with " O Land of Mine, America" recorded in 1997.

Erich Kunzel worked in cooperation with the Music Division of The Library of Congress to find the never-before-recorded "O Land of Mine, America," a work for chorus and orchestra written in 1919 as an entry in a magazine contest. The New York American offered a prize of $5, 000 to the winning composer of an American anthem. Gershwin's entry (with lyrics by Michael E. Rourke of England) won honorable mention and a prize of $50.00.

The other previously unrecorded piece, Mexican Dance, is based on the song "Tamale (I'm Hot for You), " written in 1921. It was retitled by Gershwin when it was transcribed by Broadway orchestrator Frank Sadler.

The collection also includes the original Paul Whiteman version of Rhapsody in Blue.
(concordmusicgroup. com)

Rezensionen

F.​ Erdle in Audio 9/98: "Mit einer geballten Ladung symphonischen Dynamits feuern sie nicht nur Gershwins Instrumental-Hits ab, sondern auch zu Unrecht in den Notenkammern verblichene Stücke.​ Auch das Wiederhören mit Klassikern wie der "Rhapsody in Blue" stilisieren die wackeren Musiker-Machos zum Fest - so mitreißend waren Gershwins Großtaten lange nicht mehr zu hören.​"