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George Gershwin: Recordings
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Cuban Overture (first titled Rumba) was George Gershwin's last attempt at a major serious orchestral success. He visited Havana in 1932 for relaxation and became very interested in the Cuban music, particularly the percussion. Gershwin was ahead of his time, the overture premiered a year or two ahead of the popularization of Cuban rhythms by Xavier Cugat.
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During his time in Hollywood, George did return to the traditional music setting for a few pieces which received little acclaim at the time they premiered. The Second Rhapsody, which premiered in 1931 and the Cuban Overture, which premiered the subsequent season, neither enjoyed much of the public's fancy. In perhaps the greatest disappointment of George's career, his "American Opera" would close to dismal audiences.
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The pictorial material in the collection includes many photographs of George and Ira and other members of their family and circle of friends. The brothers' skill in the visual arts is generously represented in the collection. Among the photographs are some 20 images taken by George, including exceptional portraits of Irving Berlin and Leonore Gershwin. As well, there are paintings and drawings by both George and Ira, including George's portrait of Arnold Schoenberg and a self-portrait oil painting of each brother.
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In 1929, Gershwin "supervised" the world premiere recording of An American in Paris with Nathaniel Shilkret and the Victor Symphony Orchestra. Gershwin's role in the recording was rather limited, particularly because Shilkret was conducting and had his own ideas about the music. Then someone realized they had not hired anyone to play the brief celeste solo, so they asked Gershwin if he would or could play the instrument, and he agreed. Gershwin can be heard, rather briefly, on the recording during the slow section.
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Gershwin was not affected by the critics' opinions. He believed some of his greatest music had gone into the opera. He said he had created a new musical form -- an opera based on popular culture.
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George and Ira Gershwin enriched millions of people with unforgettable music and lyrics. Those forward-looking and generous individuals who have supported the establishment and continuing growth of the Gershwin Collection in the Library of Congress have seen to it that generations to come will ... enjoy the Gershwin legacy.
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