The unlikely combination of two highly respected Italian artists from different genres of music and a German orchestra (which happens to be the oldest in the world) performing the music of one of America's most beloved composers has proven to be the undisputed recording to own in Italy. Gershwin, released by Decca, has now spent over four months on the Italian Top 100 chart (inclusive of all music genres) and has spent three weeks in the Top 10 (peaking at number 8) and already achieved Gold status. This unexpected hit now comes to the US, available everywhere on March 22, 2011.
The intriguing chemistry of performers and repertoire on this recording ignited unusually exciting and sparkling performances. The album includes Rhapsody in Blue, Catfish Row - Symphonic Suite, Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra and the delightful Rialto Ripples. As the piano soloist, Italian jazz pianist Stefano Bollani brings a refreshing and disarming interpretation to each work. While best known for his work with Enrico Rava and his interest in Brazilian jazz, Bollani easily embraces the vocabulary of Gershwin, who the pianist says "...wanted to create music that was one hundred percent American" rather than "symphonic jazz" or some borderland music caught between "popular" and "classical" music.Videos