Customer Reviews

Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy

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Joshua Bell, one of the finest violinists around, is obviously in charge of his own career, what & where he plays and what he records. This album of Gershwin music is so wonderful, it'll put you in a good mood, whistling down the street as soon as you hear it: the FANTASY FOR VIOLIN AND ORCHESTRA ON PORGY AND BESS is as good or better than the famous CARMEN FANTASY by Sarasate which violinists all over the world make part of their repertoire. Nine different excerpts from Gershwin's opera are blended beautifully and movingly in this arrangement by Alexander Courage. The THREE PRELUDES (originally for piano solo) are the ones that Heifetz did for himself. Bell shines in these pieces. And then there are the songs: 7 in all including "Love Is Here To Stay," "Liza," "I Got Rhythm" and others. Bell makes his violin sing. Buy this CD for yourself or as a gift along with Bell's new version of Bernstein's WEST SIDE STORY SUITE. You'll make someone very happy with these wonderful CD's of 20th century American popular music. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

A mid 19th century French poet wrote that his heart was wounded by the violin's "long sobs." If that versifier were alive today and heard "Gershwin Fantasy", his heart would surely be wounded but it would also be warmed and made joyous in response to the glorious music of America's premier young violinist, Joshua Bell.

The commendatory matching of John Williams, the London Symphony Orchestra, George Gershwin, and Bell on this CD results in one of the most enriching musical experiences in many a day.

With Williams at the piano Bell is both assured and daring. The Porgy and Bess fantasy stirs with its poignancy and sets foots to tapping with its jubilance. With original violin arrangements by Jascha Heifetz, the Three Preludes are hauntingly lovely as Bell performs with technical precision and compelling grace.

Seldom has "I Got Rhythm" been as zestfully played or "Embraceable You" enjoyed such a sweetly skillful rendering - poignant lyricism at its best.

Joshua Bell gives a virtuoso performance as he plays with his mind, heart, and, yes, his soul. We are the beneficiaries.

While listening to a rehearsal of "Porgy and Bess" George Gershwin is reputed to have said "this music is so beautiful I can hardly believe I wrote it." Listening to Joshua Bell's Stradivarius sing through Aexander Corage's Gershwin Fantasy on Porgy and Bess shows the truth of Gershwin's remark. This is Gershwin at his best, snazzy, sexy, sophisticated and lyrical. Mr. Bell must have attended a seance where Gershwin's spirit was summoned up to coach him because he is in tune with Gershwin's idiom, from laughter to tears. The three Preludes, arranged by Heifetz are if anything even jazzier than the original piano only version. This is helped by Mr. Williams outstanding accompaniment, it makes one long for a John Williams performace of the Rhapsody in Blue and the Concerto in F its so good. What can one say about Gershwin songs (orchestrated for violin and orchestra) that hasn't already been said - this is a perfect recording. Joshua Bell may have once been criticized for technically flawless and mechanical playing when he began concertizing, that is no more - he knows how to laugh and sing, dance for joy, and weep all while playing his fiddle. The remarkable thing about it all is it all comes through the recording process. Truly a stunning tour de force - a homage to one of the greatest figures in modern American music, George Gershwin.

Combine the swingin' tunes of Gershwin with the talent of someone like Bell and you get something wonderful. Josh Bell's unique, lyrical style makes every track a joy to listen to. You can tell he loves the music, and when Josh loves the music, wonderful things happen. The Gershwin Fantasy itself is well-arranged, and as always, Joshua Bell gets to slip one of his own cadenzas into the piece. After listening to the Fantasy and the Three Preludes, you get the feeling that Bell was meant to play Gershwin. And when you get to the series of short pieces arranged for violin and orchestra, you know it for sure. Bell's singing tone is just right for all these tunes, especially "Sweet and Low-Down". This track is so fun to listen to, you will be snapping your fingers and wigglin' your bootie to it long after you finish hearing it. This CD was worth my money. Sure, it's crossover, but it's a blast. Why this didn't win a Grammy, I don't know. Two thumbs up.

On my first hearing of Joshua Bell I was compelled to listen without knowing why. Now I know, after listening to his Gershwin CD. I know of very, very few musicians who have a genius for presenting musical content so precisely, and Joshua Bell is right at the top. One hardly misses the words from Gershwin's arias and songs, so accute is Bell's sense of just the right nuance for any musical moment. From his most suitable rubato to his penchant for the precisely appropriate sonority, he is a most eloquent player, and it all flows from him so naturally with no evidence of contrivance. I want to hear as much of him as possible!

Listening to Bell's interpretation of Gershwin for the violin makes one lament that Gershwin died before he could write a violin concerto as he had planned. But this is the next best thing! Everything about this CD is wonderful -- Bell's playing, the London Symphony, John Williams -- and it makes you hear the familiar melodies anew. My personal favorite on this CD is the melancholy "But Not for Me" which seems to eminently suited to the bittersweet sound of the violin in a master's hands. A tour de force!

Love it! I had heard of Josh Bell but never had purchased any of his music. I am a full fan now. This cd is wonderful. I am a Gershwin fan and have been for years. Bell breathes new life into the old classics and the result is breathtaking. His touch with the violin is beyound discription. He even plays with George in one cut, Sweet and Low Down. That alone is worth the price of the cd. Buy this cd and expect to be enchanted. It has been in my changer for weeks now, I can't get enough.

As a certifiable Gershwin freak, I pretty much prefer my GGstraight up without a lot of "interpretation." When this CDfirst came out I avoided it. Gershwin on the violin? Bah! I knew Joshua Bell was an outstanding violinist, but I didn't like the idea of his taking on George. Ok, I was wrong. Mea culpa! Gershwin's music is beautiful, and Bell's interpretation is soaring. I've heard that the violin is the instrument that most closely resembles the human voice, which is why violin music can be so emotionally charged. Listening to these renditions will take you on a journey from laughter to tears.

I have been a Gershwin fanatic for a while now, and when I saw this CD on the shelves...I didn't even have to listen to it to know I would love this. The talent of Joshua Bell, the precision of the London Symphony Orchestra, and the creativity of John Williams produced arrangements that Gershwin himself would be proud of. My favorites were the first track (the medley of popular Gershwin tunes from Porgy and Bess) and the sixth track, which was "Embracable You." You need this CD.

I received my CD late today. I have already listened to it twice - What a delight it is! "Embraceable You" alone is worth the price of the entire recording. It brings tears to your eyes. A close second is "But Not For Me". I could go on! Enjoy!