Gershwin is and will always be my most favorite composer. He took the best of classical and the best of jazz and combined it in such a way that his music goes beyond phenomenal. Rhapsody in Blue is also my favorite piece to play.
To hear Gershwin played with the style it was composed to be played is a treat , Marc-Andre Hamelin leaves me breathless listening to his pianist ability. Thank you for sharing him with us all.
I have listened to MAH playing George Gershwin's Song Book 100s of times never tiring of the way they were composed, and are being played so brilliantly. He seems to feel Gershwin's songs as if they are part of him. This is what a great musician does giving of himself while he is immersed in the music. No one is better to play and listen to but Gershwin.
You know what is most wonderful about having different musicians play the same compositions is that each artist will inevitably give his or her own interpretation. The most beautiful aspect for me as a listener is I can choose to hear whichever version suits my taste. We are all truly spoilt to be able to pick apart recordings from the composer and compare and contrast them against other performers and then be able to composite our personalized playlist that brings us the most listening pleasure.
The suggestion that these pieces are for amateur pianists is absurd. The rhythm's and jumps in both hands are virtuosic. No "amateur" pianist can play these, except for a few that have more straightforward styles. This is Gershwin at his best, and most acerbic. I'm sure they were "easy" for him, because he was a virtuoso himself. Gershwin wastes no figures and his editing is tight and assured. Absolute genius. sanjosemike
Umm.....no, they aren't. I'm a professional pianist and I've played these for something like 30 years and (assuming you play them with the right snap and dash) they're damn hard.
These delightfully rich renditions elevate these tunes to classic status. Gershwin is for me the best music to play while gigging to sharpen up the musical mind or get out of a rut, if any, and to delight the listener.
8 лет назад+17
Some months ago, I got obsessed by Rameau and his piano-mastery.. (actually hearing Sokolov live in Concertgebouw was the real starter for me). Last days, I listen to these Gerschwin preludes like 3times per day.... = in few days, I get the music and I will learn it immediately . . . hurraaaayyy - I just got NEW obsession...! :) Thanks the God for our piano-repertoir... You can't get bored even in 3 life-times.
8 лет назад+2
If you are interested, you can visit my profile. I just uploaded several videos with Gershwin's songbook... Many thanks!
Георгий Гершвин,своё слово он нам оставил,смелое музыкальное направление --вход в джаз. Слушается на одном дыхании,жаль,что мало пожил,скольких бы любителей своей музыки он осчастливил,ушёл по-джентльментски ----неожиданно,молодым,полным творческих сил,не прощаясь. Спасибо,была очарована и покорена ! Успехов и вдохновения!
This is fantastic stuff. What i love about MAH is that as serious a musician as he is, he has a fantastic sense of humor which is illustrated amply in his compositions and his LIVE playing. He negotiates this magnificent music with tongue planted firmly in cheek. He is serious when need be but this performance is so full of wit and charm as well. I always prefer his live recordings because there is a spontaneity that his studio recordings don't always capture. The playing is more free and colorful. This is infectious playing right here. awesome post!
Perhaps it's due to that I'm not American, but I cannot feel the lack of "swing" here. What's more, I rather like the gracefulness and "fascinating rhythm" of these performances and do really think this is some of the best Gershwin I've ever heard. You put it well, though, about his "Hamelin touch"; I'd also add that whatever Hamelin touches turns into gold.
Amazing how this classical genius! Pianist! of all times! Still can have the Feel! Way to play Gershwin! Absolutely The Greatest! I Love this guy! I'm sure Gershwin and Gould Would be Amazed by this Unique! Man! Cheers!
Swanee: 0:00 Nobody But You: 0:39 I’ll Build a Stairway To Paradise: 1:30 Do It Again: 2:11 Fascinating Rhythm: 3:37 Oh, Lady Be Good: 4:25 Somebody Loves Me: 5:34 Sweet and Low-Down: 6:48 That Certain Feeling: 7:35 The Man I Love: 9:02 Clap Yo’ Hands: 11:27 Do-Do-Do: 12:07 My One and Only: 12:57 Wonderful: 13:40 Strike Up the Band: 14:47 Liza: 15:35 I Got Rhythm: 17:34 Who Cares?: 18:43
It's nice to know if I need a good laugh I can always turn to youtube comments. Where are you guys coming from? These are Gershwin's own interpretations of his compositions that he often played at various intimate gatherings for friends. I'm sure he varied them depending on the occasion and his own temperament at the time. Many of you commenting are really missing the point here. H's interpretation is spot on and much freer than many others. Get a grip and just sit down and play these gems.
All these songs were intended to be sang. E flat major is usually quite comfortable for baritone or mezzo singers that usually sing in Broadway compositions, without high or low notes that might demand more operatic voices. At the same time many opera singers do not want to work on Broadway (they have to talk and act in a very different way, without the demanding solo arias that give them so much success).
Gershwin...What a great discovery! To be honest I did not know very much about Gershwin before, but this collection has engouraged me to give it a try! Short yet beautiful and funny pieces ideal for those (like me) who can't spend lots of hours at the piano. 12:06 - 12:56 I wish I could play Do-Do-Do like him :O
These arrangements were written for the average amateur piano player of the 30's. Occasionally transcriptions of popular recorded versions would also be published. There weren't any "professional" versions. That was up to the individual performer. That's why you hear of people learning from records.
please come to miami. this pianist is so fasinating. he does and can do everything . he swings and does godowsky and liszt as well as anyone ever.to few people play the rzewski. that really should be a hit! then again he should give us a good rec of stravinsky serenade.
Such an underrated composer... Really would like to learn one of these though, they seem pretty hard but most of them not impossible. Or maybe summertime... The more i listen the more i get motivated :D
@@TheBobiaan But not long enough to be familiar with "An American in Paris","Porgy and Bess", Rhapsody in Blue, and countless songs known , performed and loved all over de world. Underrated? Only by yourself.
I’ve always loved Gershwin and have been working at his Three Preludes off and on for years. (They’re still above my skill level, but I’m getting closer). As such, I just ordered this Songbook and thought I’d listen to one or two of your selections. I ended up listening to the entire recording. What an absolute delight! I’m another who appreciates your inclusion of the accompanying sheet music and will be returning to your cite time and again in an attempt to emulate your magnificent style.
If you like these, you might like the Lee Sims transcriptions of popular songs he did for Ted Browne music publisher in Chicago in the 1920s... oh wait, these mostly aren't on RUclips. However, I got a big stack of them from a good friend (they're mostly single sheets, often just one chorus, printed on the inside cover of the original sheet music to the tune, giving the amateur at home "something to chew on".) Time for me to get cracking...
One of, if not THE best classicsl pianist of our times
Hamelin can play anything and make it "his". This is incomparable.
Gershwin is and will always be my most favorite composer. He took the best of classical and the best of jazz and combined it in such a way that his music goes beyond phenomenal. Rhapsody in Blue is also my favorite piece to play.
In my opinion the book is like a 20 century Schumman's Carnival...amazing
check out poulencs soirres de nazzales
that's actually an amazing way to think about it
Шумана!
Equally garbage, that's for sure.
@@Whatismusic123 Ha! laughable. This is true music
To hear Gershwin played with the style it was composed to be played is a treat , Marc-Andre Hamelin leaves me breathless listening to his pianist ability. Thank you for sharing him with us all.
What a brilliant performance of real music gems!
Hamelin does the job expertly and soulfully. Monster musician.
Bravo Hamelin ! un régal pour les oreilles, une thérapie pour lretrouver un moral d’acier 🙏👍♥️
Un pianiste de renom !
Absolutely magnificent. I cannot get enough of Gershwin. He is, by far, my favorite composer.
I have listened to MAH playing George Gershwin's Song Book 100s of times never tiring of the way they were composed, and are being played so brilliantly. He seems to feel Gershwin's songs as if they are part of him. This is what a great musician does giving of himself while he is immersed in the music. No one is better to play and listen to but Gershwin.
You know what is most wonderful about having different musicians play the same compositions is that each artist will inevitably give his or her own interpretation. The most beautiful aspect for me as a listener is I can choose to hear whichever version suits my taste. We are all truly spoilt to be able to pick apart recordings from the composer and compare and contrast them against other performers and then be able to composite our personalized playlist that brings us the most listening pleasure.
The suggestion that these pieces are for amateur pianists is absurd. The rhythm's and jumps in both hands are virtuosic. No "amateur" pianist can play these, except for a few that have more straightforward styles.
This is Gershwin at his best, and most acerbic. I'm sure they were "easy" for him, because he was a virtuoso himself. Gershwin wastes no figures and his editing is tight and assured.
Absolute genius.
sanjosemike
I absolutely agree as a musician. I have great trouble with this piece of beauty aswell.
Some of these are relatively simple to play, but perhaps not for total beginners
And they would be a huge challenge for anyone who has trouble with octaves.
Umm.....no, they aren't. I'm a professional pianist and I've played these for something like 30 years and (assuming you play them with the right snap and dash) they're damn hard.
And Hamelin is about as virtuoso as you can get imo
13:40 is absolute perfection. Just lovely!!
Vous jouez à merveille ces superbes pages , bravo❤
Just when I'm getting into the song it seems to end but what sublime joy
Really wish some of these were a bit longer tbh
He sure knows how to keep you on your toes and recognizing the brevity of things, yes indeed.
Even if I hadn't known the arrangements were George Gershwin's own, that trademark expansive style would be a dead give-away. Beautifully executed.
These delightfully rich renditions elevate these tunes to classic status. Gershwin is for me the best music to play while gigging to sharpen up the musical mind or get out of a rut, if any, and to delight the listener.
Some months ago, I got obsessed by Rameau and his piano-mastery.. (actually hearing Sokolov live in Concertgebouw was the real starter for me).
Last days, I listen to these Gerschwin preludes like 3times per day.... = in few days, I get the music and I will learn it immediately . . . hurraaaayyy - I just got NEW obsession...! :)
Thanks the God for our piano-repertoir... You can't get bored even in 3 life-times.
If you are interested, you can visit my profile. I just uploaded several videos with Gershwin's songbook... Many thanks!
Wow! The manuscripts are a treasure. This whole upload is an education. The comments wonderful. (So is the sound!)
Георгий Гершвин,своё слово он нам оставил,смелое музыкальное направление --вход в джаз. Слушается на одном дыхании,жаль,что мало пожил,скольких бы любителей своей музыки он осчастливил,ушёл по-джентльментски ----неожиданно,молодым,полным творческих сил,не прощаясь. Спасибо,была очарована и покорена ! Успехов и вдохновения!
This collection goes to show how freakin' good of a pianist Gershwin really was!
Des airs réussis, d'autres moins. Hamelin est d'une souplesse prodigieuse.
Fun having the score to watch while listening. Well-played.
+Lawrence Keesler
very well played ...
So amazing, probably one of the best Gershwin's player
This is fantastic stuff. What i love about MAH is that as serious a musician as he is, he has a fantastic sense of humor which is illustrated amply in his compositions and his LIVE playing. He negotiates this magnificent music with tongue planted firmly in cheek. He is serious when need be but this performance is so full of wit and charm as well. I always prefer his live recordings because there is a spontaneity that his studio recordings don't always capture. The playing is more free and colorful. This is infectious playing right here. awesome post!
Gershwin never died, he simply became music ...
madlovba3 GREAT MADLOBA from
GEORGIA ! Hamelin and Gershwin,
FANTASTIC, thank you very much !!!
Wonderful! Hard to believe M.A.H. has only two hands and ten fingers! Amazing musician, a lovely surprise after his usual repertoire.
11:27 the best, love.
Gershwin is a genius.
9:01 The Man I Love is my favorite
Langley Bryant that's why you love him
The Art Tatum version of this song... is my favorite.
gay
Me too😍😭❤️
Gay
I remember being at home listening to this suite of preludes during a hot summer ten years ago in Buenos Aires... good old memories.
Perhaps it's due to that I'm not American, but I cannot feel the lack of "swing" here. What's more, I rather like the gracefulness and "fascinating rhythm" of these performances and do really think this is some of the best Gershwin I've ever heard. You put it well, though, about his "Hamelin touch"; I'd also add that whatever Hamelin touches turns into gold.
I don't Gershwin swinged his eighth notes that much in his music.
I don't think there's any swing in these, i could be wrong though
This was riveting. Never have I been so intent on reading the music while listening.
Try a skin flute.
Extremely well-orchestrated, inventive and melody bursting piano music by the young genius :-O Hamelin does him great justice also.
Hamelin + Gerchwin = Wombo Combo!
Pluie de nuances.
This piece is played to perfection here...love it!
i find true happiness when I hear this kind of music which you can find in paradise
What a sublime performance truly wonderful
excellent all. Lo lo disfrute mucho. Gracias George.
Marc is pure genius :)
The Pied Piper of Hamelin and most of us are mesmerized.....
Amazing how this classical genius! Pianist! of all times! Still can have the Feel! Way to play Gershwin! Absolutely The Greatest! I Love this guy! I'm sure Gershwin and Gould Would be Amazed by this Unique! Man! Cheers!
Swanee: 0:00
Nobody But You: 0:39
I’ll Build a Stairway To Paradise: 1:30
Do It Again: 2:11
Fascinating Rhythm: 3:37
Oh, Lady Be Good: 4:25
Somebody Loves Me: 5:34
Sweet and Low-Down: 6:48
That Certain Feeling: 7:35
The Man I Love: 9:02
Clap Yo’ Hands: 11:27
Do-Do-Do: 12:07
My One and Only: 12:57
Wonderful: 13:40
Strike Up the Band: 14:47
Liza: 15:35
I Got Rhythm: 17:34
Who Cares?: 18:43
A true artist.
Great--great--great. Thanks so much.
0:53 is absolute heaven
Beautifully done! Some real gems in this medley- one almost never hears 'Liza', a personal favorite from the Gershwin book :)
And how many of these songs did you know the name of, and have heard before, prior to listening to this collection? That's how good a composer He was.
Probably the best recording!
It's nice to know if I need a good laugh I can always turn to youtube comments. Where are you guys coming from? These are Gershwin's own interpretations of his compositions that he often played at various intimate gatherings for friends. I'm sure he varied them depending on the occasion and his own temperament at the time. Many of you commenting are really missing the point here. H's interpretation is spot on and much freer than many others. Get a grip and just sit down and play these gems.
gbosey EXACTLY
Timeless mastersongs.
Terrific! Thanks for this!!❤❤
Love, love, love it!
master!! bravoooo!!
Thank u for uploading this. Beautiful works !
Contrary to what some have implied below Marc Andre is still with us.
Something tells me Gershwin loved E flat major
Maybe because it was easy to play on a lot of wind instruments
It's one of the most common keys in Jazz and Ragtime besides A-Flat Major and B-Flat Major.
All these songs were intended to be sang. E flat major is usually quite comfortable for baritone or mezzo singers that usually sing in Broadway compositions, without high or low notes that might demand more operatic voices. At the same time many opera singers do not want to work on Broadway (they have to talk and act in a very different way, without the demanding solo arias that give them so much success).
Maravilloso. Muchas gracias por compartir. Saludos desde Buenos Aires.
Brilliant
Indeed.
Love this. Just S'Wonderful for my ongoing obsession with Gershwin.
Gershwin...What a great discovery! To be honest I did not know very much about Gershwin before, but this collection has engouraged me to give it a try! Short yet beautiful and funny pieces ideal for those (like me) who can't spend lots of hours at the piano. 12:06 - 12:56 I wish I could play Do-Do-Do like him :O
2:13 sounds very Chopinesque
Good ear
Great playing!
A great delight (after an afternoon of Sorabji Organ Symphony #2!).
very nice for relax , Need this one .
Love, love love!
This stuff is so easy to listen to...quite a change from the likes of Alkan and Rzewski!
Thanks for uploading. :D
Many Thanks for this upload, you are great.
Brilliant!! This is just what I've been looking for.
Wow. Thanks for this breathtaking posting!
Goddamn these aren't just classic American little tunes they invoke kind of an emotional feeling out of me that's almost nostalgic
Thank you for the upload!!!
his rhythmic sense is the world's top, the only top for sure.
Thank you very much for this posting.
LOVELY!
These arrangements were written for the average amateur piano player of the 30's. Occasionally transcriptions of popular recorded versions would also be published. There weren't any "professional" versions. That was up to the individual performer. That's why you hear of people learning from records.
I like this a lot.
please come to miami. this pianist is so fasinating. he does and can do everything . he swings and does godowsky and liszt as well as anyone ever.to few people play the rzewski. that really should be a hit! then again he should give us a good rec of stravinsky serenade.
Hamelin is a fan of Nikolai Kapustin too. Anyone who likes this music should give Kapustin a listen.
These remind me of the pieces on Charles Rosen's vintage album "Virtusoso!" with arrangements full of difficult figurations, etc.
Thanks for uploading!
At 2:17 it sounds like Scriabin.
A very sharp ear you have there. Reminds me of his sonata no.4.
Really? I always thought 18:44 sounded more like scriabin than Do It Again.
I love this song! :D
Brilliant !!!
Lovely, great upload.
Thank you very much!
Ce sont vraiment jolies...
Chapeau !
Great to hear original Liza as I've only heard Art Tatum's insane version.
Such an underrated composer...
Really would like to learn one of these though, they seem pretty hard but most of them not impossible. Or maybe summertime... The more i listen the more i get motivated :D
Underrated? Did you just arrive on this planet?
@@thepianocornertpc a few years ago actually
@@TheBobiaan But not long enough to be familiar with "An American in Paris","Porgy and Bess", Rhapsody in Blue, and countless songs known , performed and loved all over de world. Underrated? Only by yourself.
The man I love is magnificent
I’ve always loved Gershwin and have been working at his Three Preludes off and on for years. (They’re still above my skill level, but I’m getting closer). As such, I just ordered this Songbook and thought I’d listen to one or two of your selections. I ended up listening to the entire recording. What an absolute delight! I’m another who appreciates your inclusion of the accompanying sheet music and will be returning to your cite time and again in an attempt to emulate your magnificent style.
If you like these, you might like the Lee Sims transcriptions of popular songs he did for Ted Browne music publisher in Chicago in the 1920s... oh wait, these mostly aren't on RUclips. However, I got a big stack of them from a good friend (they're mostly single sheets, often just one chorus, printed on the inside cover of the original sheet music to the tune, giving the amateur at home "something to chew on".) Time for me to get cracking...
09:01 The Man I Love
Suave caricia de una melancólica remembranza. Perdiéndose ínfima en el horizonte de una absoluta vacuidad pésima pero esperanzadora.
Wish I was going to San Diego Lucky you.
Man I love, do it again, I got rhythm.
Great!
I definitely hear Debussy and Cole Porter influence!!
Amazing ! Love it. :)
Really wish Swanee was longer