11 July is the 75th anniversary of the death of George Gershwin. The popular American composer and pianist wrote in a seemingly effortless, languid style which is instantly recognizable.
His most famous piece of work was the opera Porgy and Bess, first performed in 1935. It included such famous songs as Summertime, It Aint Necessarily So, Bess, You is My Woman Now, I Loves you Porgy, and I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin.
© Lebrecht Music & Arts
George at the piano With the Rhapsody in Blue score on the piano. San Francisco January 1937 practising for cocerts with Monteux and the San Francisco Symphony.
© Lebrecht Music & Arts
© Lebrecht Music & Arts
