Description
George Gershwin blossomed as an accompanist before his talent as a songwriter opened the way to Broadway where he fashioned his own brand of American music. He composed a run of musical comedies, with his brother Ira as lyricist, and several classical works while he became a favoured guest in New York social circles. His 1924 Rhapsody in Blue was an instant classic rooted in his absorption of African American music. A decade later came Porgy and Bess, his magnum opus. The brothers left New York to write songs for Hollywood-but their work was cut short when George developed a brain tumour and died at thirty-eight.
Richard Crawford traces the arc of Gershwin's remarkable life, seamlessly blending colourful anecdotes with a discussion of Gershwin's unforgettable oeuvre.
About the Author
Richard Crawford, professor emeritus at the University of Michigan, member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and past president of the American Musicological Society, has published ten books on American music. He lives in Michigan.
Reviews
"The author offers many such evocative descriptions in his scholarly account of Gershwin's tragically short life. The works are covered in exhaustive detail, with in-depth analysis, plots and character summaries..." -- The Economist
Book Information
ISBN 9780393052152
Author Richard Crawford
Format Hardback
Page Count 560
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 1009g
Dimensions(mm) 244mm * 163mm * 43mm
