aaamusic | On 31, Dec 2014

Wednesday 3rd December, Oxford

Influenced by Bach, Stravinsky and Schoenberg, composer George Gershwin developed a unique style of his own. Decades later his jazz inspired swing music remains hugely popular.

At this SJE Arts evening we took a journey through Gershwin’s remarkable life, travelling from his early years in Brooklyn to Broadway and Hollywood where he found fame and success.

Exhilarating classical pianist Viv McLean has toured extensively in the USA, performing Gershwin with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and he won first prize at the Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona. At this performance he was joined by graceful soprano Sarah Gabriel who sang Gershwin songs with  joy, charm and passion.

‘Sparkling ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ Gershwin’s tribute to the bustling metropolis of  his home city New York, conjured images of wailing sirens, honking horns and noisy subways, whilst the magical ‘Summertime,’ combining jazz with southern states styles without losing its spiritual folk feel, was sensitive and impressive. As a  popular contemporary song the latter has been recorded 25,000 and covered an extraordinary 33,000 times. An exuberant ‘Love Is Here To Stay,’ Gershwin’s final composition, was a glorious tribute.

It may be difficult to successfully capture the rhythm, energy and dynamism of  Gershwin’s compositions, but this was a very expressive performance of the kind which causes many people to foot tap compulsively. It gave a fine insight into classic songs that are intriguing and hauntingly beautiful.

Viv and Sarah  generously gave their time and all proceeds from the concert went to  launch the SJE Organ Restoration Project. The performance was sponsored by The Oxford Wine Company and is now available on CD.

Anthony Weightman