Gershwin / Fazil Say, New York PO

There's some rather rare pieces on this CD--including the wonderful cakewalk Novelette in Fourths. Gershwin wrote some wonderful jazz-style preludes for piano, but usually only three are recorded. There are a number of other short piano works that are delightful and practically impossible to find on CD. Fortunately, they are here, along with some favorites from Porgy and Bess and other piano arrangements of Gershwin songs such as the virtuoso "I Got Rhythm" variations.What's really great is that Fazil Say plays these with humor and lightness. No heavy, pseudo-scholarly seriousness here. He makes the most of his pianistic skill and yet retains the spirit of Gershwin's playfulness and fun. This is definitely a must-have if you love Gershwin.

This is the first recording I have heard of Rhapsody in Blue that lived up to my expectations, because I have always wished there would be more of a jazz element in the music. This recording has JAZZ! I also greatly enjoyed the other pieces on the album, especially the ragtime ones.

Although everything on this disc is also heavily recorded by others, Fazil Say has indeed found new arrangements to the songs and pieces, which made George Gershwin famous. Maybe The Rapsody in Blue is the one that has been recorded most, by any standard. But nevertheless the comparison between versions is always interesting, mostly due to the work itself. Fazil Say has a more jazzy approach than let's say, Michael Tilson Thomas or even Alicia Zizzo (the latter is better than that of Tilson Thomas). With Fazil Say you hear that Gershwins music is firmly rooted in ragtime and music hall, the piano being the one they use in a bar, in most other interpretations there is the tendency to use a grand piano, typically concertlike. Although Gershwin craved to be a concertcomposer (he even went to Paris to ask Ravel to teach him), his strength laid in jazzy, vaudeville-like sharpness, and above all, syncopated music. It was music to dance to. His songs mostly transcend the lightness of musical (music hall) songs, which he wrote together with his brother Ira. In addition, especially Porgy and Bess, which is an opera true to the word, is simultaneously impressing and touching, though halfheartedly unemancipating in its use of so called Negro language. However, Fazil Say has nothing to do with that, and his interpretations are wonderful, in the songs his piano really sings, you do not miss the voice of the singer. In addition, I will not forget to mention the New York Philharmonic under Kurt Masur, who gives an outstanding performance, surprising and full of the necessary rhythm and drive.The sound quality is excellent, especially brass and percussion. The quintet that accompanies Say in the first four numbers is up to its job and more. The sound of the piano is very well captured.

My local public radio station was playing cuts from this CD all morning as a way to get people interested in pledging money. I already made my donation, so I thought I would give Amazon.com some attention for a change. I was very impressed with what I heard. The arrangements are a mixture of Fazil being backed by a small quintet and the New York Philharmonic. He can play piano! Enjoy!

This is a MUST HAVE CD for all Gershwin fans. You feel the sadness, joy, happiness, all in this CD. Fazil Say is once again showing his virtuousity as well as his understanding of Gershwin through all the pieces he played, both on solo, quintet and orchestral performances. One feels fully satisfied with the pleasure of Gershwin's fantastic interpretation. Very highly recommended..

One of the best (the Best?) recording of Rhapsody in Blue! Fazil Say is among the only classical pianist to have a real "Jazz touch" when needed (which is not surprising, because he also played in a Turkish jazz band).

I like this Gershwin CD for the varied and extensive program of songs and solo piano works . The CD includes pleasing versions of Rhapsody in blue and the I've Got Rhythm variations.

wonderful rendition of Rhapsody in Blue

Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue is a full on work and Fazil Say is FULL ON, his interpretation is a joy from the beginning to the end, it brings joy and life to your listening experience. Don't go any further just buy it, the price is far far below its value I don't believe you will regret one penny. Just sit back and enjoy!

Meinen Geschmack treffen die Interpretationen nicht genau. Ich hatte oft den Eindruck, dass die Stücke "runtergespielt" wurden. Für mich fehlt etwas die Leidenschaft, aber das kann eben auch nur meine Meinung sein. Hören Sie die Titel genau vor und entscheiden Sie dann selbst!