George Gershwin (20th-Century Composers) |
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Author:
Rodney Greenberg
By Phaidon Press
Average Customer Rating:  
List Price: $24.95
Our Price: $9.98
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Product Description
This expert and colorful biography places George Gershwin's (1898-1937) music within the context of his frenetic lifestyle to show how a teenaged song-plugger from Tin Pan Alley became internationally renowned in a career that spanned a mere two decades. It also beings home the realization that Gershwin's tragic death from a brain tumor at age 38 robbed the world of untold musical treasures.
Amazon.com Review
As part of its 20th Century Composers series, Phaidon commissioned noted producer and director of television music programs Rodney Greenberg to write a biography of one of the century's most popular composers--George Gershwin, a man who in a regrettably short life (he died in 1937 at the age of 38) sought to straddle the worlds of popular and symphonic music. "Music," Gershwin once said, "must reflect the thoughts and aspirations of the people and the time. My people are American. My time is today." Gershwin's life, from his days as a "songplugger" in New York's Tin Pan Alley to fame and fortune with Broadway shows and symphonic composition, followed the evolution of American popular music. But he was as much an influence on his time as he was influenced by it. Charismatic, brilliant, and vastly egotistical, his struggle to be recognized as a serious composer was always at odds with the fame and money such songs as "Fascinating Rhythm" and "Lady Be Good" brought him. While Greenberg's biography is serviceable as an introduction to the composer's life, his analysis of the music is what raises this elegantly short book to the realm of the exceptional. Gershwin's body of work is surprisingly small, considering its lasting influence, and this gives the author the opportunity to discuss at length not only such landmark works as Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess, but also minor pieces like "Lullaby" and "Someone to Watch Over Me." Indeed, Greenberg argues that Gershwin's gifts, like those of Cole Porter but also Chopin and Grieg, were best expressed through his shorter compositions, and while he never stopped working to achieve a significant work of length, it was his instinct for 32-bar and shorter pieces that ensured his place in musical history. --John Longenbaugh
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A Broad Overview, 2008-10-09
Seemed a little odd reading a book about Gershwin by a Brit named Greenberg. There are many on this side of the ocean that knew Gershwin intimately and it is there rather than in this book that you will find an authentic rather than scholarly approach. Anyone can accumulate information and photographs and if skilled at writing assume a role of arbiter.
Gershwin is the natural Jewish American seed of genius--spontaneous genius without the paste and glue of institutional methods and means. Had he lived beyond 39 years perhaps a true symphony would have emerged.
Then Greenberg cannot resist a simple line touching on the prospect of great Gershwin being a homosexual. What was that for? Where is there any indication of it in his hectic star struck life time. Why was it included?
What point did it serve?
There is little need for psychoanalytical applications heaped upon this creative genius. His music speaks the language of the then American heart and soul. He did not caterwaul like Elliot Carter or blast your ears like Reigger, nor create vast intellectual excusions like Sessions who music is terrible. William Schuman could compose for a thousand years and nver approach his teacher Roy Harris' Third Symphony, let alone Gershwin.
So in fact there is alot of intellectual garbage out there oh so rationalized by Boulez et al--who listens to their music? Who listens to late Stravinsky--or the minimalists or the sonorists or the serialists?
Gershwin knew the difference between preprogrammed raucous noise and music from the heart and soul. Serialists are soulless atomatons and are cumulatively not dust between the toes of gershwin creatively--he had the devine spark and we all know it--THEY did not.
Read Levant for some insight and fun about his relationship with George and Ira. There are two other superior biographies around and alot of smaller works by those close to the Gershwins. Get a broad and rounded understanding of this relatively simple man who blazed like a comet through the music world.
The Phaidon label tends toward the intellectualization of music and puts names like Schnittke next to Gershwin--you ever hear of Schnittke? Who has and who listens to his music but that is Phaidon.
Gershwin was not a homosexual, but too many who write about him are--always looking for recruits.
Don't get too intellectual with Gershwin, he is better than them--he is of the people and for the people and he sings to them as no Minimalist, serilaist or sonorist ever could or can.
Read an American author closer to home in time and space. You'll be better off.
A fair and honest book about a musical genius, 2003-09-05
This was a fascinating look into the development of one of the outstanding musical forces of the 20th century. It traces Gershwin's incredible rise from Brooklyn streets, through Tin Pan Alley, to Broadway, concert halls, and Hollywood. It looks into the many influences to his music, and his aspirations for higher forms. Greenberg introduces us to a man with a huge ego, an insatiable love of music, and an extraordinary gift - a lovable character, around whose piano you would love to stand for even just one song.
The author gives us a sense of the tragedy in Gershwin's life that was deeply touching without being melodramatic. After reading this book you'll listen to Gershwin's music with a much enriched appreciation and understanding.
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 780.92
EAN: 9780714835044
ISBN: 0714835048
Label: Phaidon Press
Manufacturer: Phaidon Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 240
Publication Date: 1998-04-23
Publisher: Phaidon Press
Studio: Phaidon Press |
