George Gershwin: American Composer (Modern Music Masters) [Library Binding]

Catherine Reef (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Modern Music Masters

The early twentieth century was a wonderful time for American music, and George Gershwin was the most gifted composer of that era. Songs such as "Summertime" and "Someone to Watch Over Me" continue to enchant listeners and performers. His Rhapsody in Blue is still performed around the world and Porgy and Bess, written near the end of his tragically short life, was the first successful use of traditional American music in an opera.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9-Reef covers Gershwin's life from his childhood in New York City at the turn of the century to his death in 1937. The writing has some errors, inconsistencies, and omissions, and the author stumbles in trying to describe the composer's lyrics without actually quoting them. The glossary of musical terms is incomplete and, as most words are defined in context, unnecessary. The selection of black-and-white photos is uninspired. Although colorful, attractive, and fascinating to look at, Mike Venezia's George Gershwin (Children's, 1994) and Roland Vernon's Introducing Gershwin (Silver Burdett, 1996) have very abbreviated texts. Reef's book does fill in some of the gaps, creating a more comprehensive overview of Gershwin's life. Thus, it may meet a need in libraries that don't own a copy of Paul Kresh's An American Rhapsody (Lodestar, 1988; o.p.).
Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

". . . young people with an interest in the composer or his music will find this succinct biography a most enjoyable introduction to Gershwin." -- ALA Booklist

"Reef leaves no doubt of Gershwin's place in the pantheon of modern American composers . . . as engrossing as a novel." -- Kirkus Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Pub (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883846587
• ISBN-13: 978-1883846589
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,026,360 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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