A music historian with a fine interpretive ear for both music and
language examines the collaboration of George and Ira Gershwin - in
what is not a biography but rather a nontechnical study of how the
Gershwins' music, lyrics, and sense of drama are interrelated. With
the help of in-depth interviews with Ira Gershwin, Rosenberg (Music
Theater Program/NYU; The Brothers Gershwin, 1989 - not reviewed;
coauthor, The Music Makers, 1978) traces the creative development
of the major Gershwin songs and shows. After a short discussion of
the brothers' upbringing and exceedingly different temperaments
("We never had much in common as kids," Ira recalled. "I was always
home reading...[George] would get into street fights and come home
with black eyes"), she launches into a wide-ranging discussion of
Rhapsody in Blue and "The Man I Love," the breakthrough song in
which the Gershwins first discovered their "ability to make a song
intrinsically dramatic." Next comes an examination of Lady, Be
Good; here, Rosenberg cites one major reason why the brothers -
especially at first - were so different from other collaborators:
In the early days of musical comedy, stars were chosen and songs
composed before the "book" (i.e., plotline, dialogue) was written,
a separatist approach very much against the symbiotic Gershwin
instinct. Other chapters study such shows as Oh, Kay! and Girl
Crazy and explain such pivotal details as how George's "blue" notes
affect the meaning of Ira's words. The chapter on Porgy and Bess is
especially interesting. "Above all," writes Rosenberg, "Porgy and
Bess is suffused with two [Gershwin] characteristics....The first
is a depiction of deep loneliness....The second...is an
appreciation of a diverse national character." Though at times too
detailed for the general reader, Rosenberg's straightforward prose
is a pleasure. Intriguing and insightful, casting new light on the
Gershwin genius. (Kirkus Reviews)
The 100th birthdays of George and Ira Gershwin (in 1898 and 1896,
respectively) are being celebrated around the world. The
centennials are the perfect occasion to reflect on the brothers'
rich legacy to American theater music. "The Man I Love,"
"Fascinating Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "A Foggy
Day"--together they wrote 700 songs and dozens of shows that
defined an age and revolutionized the musical theater. Essential to
any consideration of their achievement is Deena Rosenberg's
"Fascinating Rhythm," the only book to closely examine the
brothers'extraordinary collaboration.
First published in 1991, this pioneering work--which grew out of
extensive interviews with Ira Gershwin and draws on much
unpublished material from his archives--provides an interpretation
and critical history of the Gershwin opus. Focusing on the major
songs and shows and on the creative process that produced them,
Rosenberg traces the development of the Gershwins' vocabulary,
voice, subject, and viewpoint as they evolved from song to song.
She illuminates how words and music work together in each song to
create a small one-act play that encompasses a satisfying emotional
and dramatic action.
Rosenberg also expertly places the Gershwins in their creative and
social context, highlighting their innovations, their own growth as
mature artists, and their relationship to their times. And she
outlines Ira's productive career following the untimely death of
his brother in 1937.
Filled with musical examples, Iyrics, and photographs, this rich
portrait will fascinate any musical theater lover.
"Packed with terrific insights that will delight those who care
about this music." --"New York Times BookReview"
Deena Rosenberg is the founding chair of the Musical Theatre
Program, Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. A cultural
and music historian, she is coauthor of "The Music Makers" and has
written for the "New York Times," the "Washington Post," the
"Chicago Tribune," the "Los Angeles Times," "High Fidelity," and
other publications.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
