Fascinating rhythm : the collaboration of George and Ira Gershwin / Deena Rosenberg.
| Author/creator | Rosenberg, Deena, 1951- |
| Format | Book |
| Publication Info | New York, N.Y. : Dutton, ©1991. |
| Description | xxv, 516 pages : illustrations, portraits, music, facsimiles ; 24 cm |
| Subjects |
| Contents | Part I. "Fascinating rhythm": the Gershwins in the 1920s. "First and last, New Yorkers" -- The Rhapsody in Blue and "The man I love": the Gershwins find their voice -- Lady, Be Good!: the Gershwins and musical comedy -- "Someone to watch over me": the high twenties and Oh, Kay! -- "I got rhythm": Girl Crazy and the end of the twenties -- Part II. "I got plenty o' nuthin'": the Gershwins in the 1930s. Of Thee I Sing: the Gershwins and satiric opera -- Porgy and Bess - American opera: the grand synthesis -- Shall We Dance: the Gershwins in Hollywood -- Ira Gershwin carries on -- Chronology: the Gershwins' works -- Gershwin and Gershwin songs: an alphabetical list -- Original keys to major songs discussed in the book -- Music and lyrics to three key songs. "The Man I love" ; "I Got Rhythm" ; "A Foggy Day". |
| Abstract | "The Man I Love," "Fascinating Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "A Foggy Day"--together the Gershwin brothers wrote 700 songs and dozens of shows that defined an age and revolutionized the musical theater. Essential to any consideration of their achievement is this work, the only book to closely examine the brothers'extraordinary collaboration. This pioneering work--which grew out of extensive interviews with Ira Gershwin and draws on much unpublished material from his archives--provides an interpretation and critical history of the Gershwin opus.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. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 482-489), discography (pages 490-498), and index. |
| LCCN | 91017717 |
| ISBN | 0525933565 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk | ML410.G288 R67 1991 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |