Laserdisc Title: "GEORGE GERSHWIN REMEMBERED: RHAPSODY IN PIANO" - Documentary Music
Edition: Fullscreen Edition (Single Disc)
Written and Produced By: Peter Adam
Commentary Spoken By: Clarke Peters
Production / Year: 1987 Program Development Company
Running Time: 100 Minutes / Color
Audio Format: CX Encoded
Video Format: NTSC, CLV (Extended Play)
Miscellaneous Features: None
Distributed By: PolyGram Records
Catalog / Spine Number: 071 211-1 LH

IMPORTANT: This is a 12-inch Diameter Laserdisc, which is NOT the same as DVD and cannot be played on a DVD player!

Cosmetic Condition:
Disc (s): Excellent - Hardly noticeable to very minor hairline surface swirls, if any
Jacket: Excellent - Normal shelf wear, few creases, slightly worn-out corners or edges but no signs of spines splitting

Synopsis:

In the Roaring Twenties, all of America hummed the tunes of one man. Born in a humble Brooklyn neighborhood in 1898, George Gershwin quickly rose to dazzling heights in the entertainment world. Before his life was tragically cut short at the age of 38, the young composer had reshaped popular music into a uniquely American sound. He fused the exuberant refrains of Tin Pan Alley with the lush orchestrations of classical music and the complex rhythms of jazz in compositions like Funny Face, Porgy and Bess and Rhapsody in Blue. Featuring performances of Gershwin classics by the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and interviews with celebrities, family members and friends, this award-winning documentary offers an intimate look at the troubled life of an incomparable American artist.

If you are a student needing to do a research paper on Gershwin, present a report in class, or just a fan who wants to know more about the composer of masterpieces such as "American in Paris," "Porgy and Bess," and, of course, "Rhapsody in Blue," then George Gershwin Remembered is an excellent resource for you.

Presented occasionally on the A&E network, "George Gershwin Remembered" takes on George's life from the start of his days as Jacob Gershwitz to his tragic death at an early age. Interviews with numerous Gershwin authorities are presented along with stirring remembrances of his work. A simple "must-have" for any Gershwin lover.

'George Gershwin Remembered' is a great resource for anyone who wants an overview of Gershwin's life and work. Gershwin is considered to be one of the most highly regarded of all American composers, famous both for his symphonic and popular works. Almost a straight biography of Gershwin, this documentary tells the life of George beginning with his parents emigration to the United States in the late 19th Century. They had fled the Russian pogroms and ended up in New York. This video retells the simple story of a normal young American boy who becomes a composing legend.

The most interesting feature of this documentary are the interviews included by such Gershwin authorities as his sister, Frances Godovsky, his girlfriend, Kay Swift, his contemporary, Leonard Bernstein, and many others. Explanations of Gershwin's work by contemporary musicians such as conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and performer Michael Feinstein demonstrate the enduring vitality of Gershwin's works. Even Linda Ronstadt chimes in about how singing a Gershwin song, while difficult, is so perfectly architected like the "golden ratio of the Greek gods."

Naturally, 'Gershwin Remembered' includes both the concert hall and popular works of Gershwin, chronicling Gershwin's serious concert works ("Rhapsody in Blue," "Second Rhapsody," "Concerto in F") alongside of his musicals hits and popular tunes ("I Got Rhythm," "Lady Be Good," "Could You Use Me," "The Man I Love," "But Not For Me," "Someone To Watch Over Me," and "Love Is Here To Stay").

Given the biographical nature of this documentary, it's not surprising that Gershwin's earlier undertakings were included. His first published song "When You Want 'Em, You Can't Get 'Em, When You've Got 'Em, You Don't Want 'Em" is played by Feinstein. Also included is his first hit, "Swanee," introduced by Al Jolson. His first attempt at opera, a work titled 'Blue Monday,' is also chronicled. 'Gershwin Rememberd' also tells of George's life when not playing music, exploring his love for painting and socializing. In terms of an overview, this documentary is very informative.

THIS IS NOT A DVD!!! THIS IS A 12" LASERDISC AND WILL NOT PLAY IN A DVD PLAYER

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