Customer Reviews

Manhattan (1979 Film)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I originally saw the fim, "Manhattan", back in 1979, I not only viewed, what would be one of Woody Allen's finest films, but I was introduced to the genius of George Gershwin.Until then I was your average kid hooked on rock n'roll.The marvelous tunes that accompanied Allen's tribute to New York City (and some of it's more neurotic inhabitants) truely moved me and made me realize there was something very special about this music.Allen used the music of George Gershwin almost as a secondary character.It gives us a sense of New York City's expanse and beauty (at least in Allen's mind).Who cannot love such beautiful tunes as "But Not For Me", "'S Wonderful", "Embraceble You" and of course the majestic masterpiece, "Rhapsody In Blue". I'll never forget the violin section of this great work of music, at the emotional conclusion of the film.It is just beautiful.

The soundtrack is pure class.

I first heard this album soon after its 1979 premiere (on the former Columbia Masterworks label), not knowing much about George or Ira. Then I heard the opening of 'Rhapsody In Blue', with Gary Graffman at the piano and Zubin Mehta leading the New York Philharmonic, and became hooked on their music.

From the opening trill and glissando of 'Rhapsody' to the sweetly-mournful close of 'But Not For Me,' the 'Manhattan' soundtrack captures the breeziness and romance of New York -- not some fantasy or archaic vision of the city, but the style of the Big Town at its best. Its excellent production has held up over the past two decades, and the performance is nearly flawless.

Other prime cuts on the soundtrack are 'Mine,' (a jazz combo piece with Dick Hyman on piano), the orchestral version of 'Someone to Watch Over Me' and the medley that opens with 'Oh, Lady Be Good.'

But the anchor of the album is 'Rhapsody in Blue.' Purists may prefer the original jazz-band arrangement espoused by Michael Tilson Thomas, but the New York Phiharmonic's handling of it makes the 'Rhapsody' as majestic as the Empire State and as imposing as a Babe Ruth homer.

After having seen Allen's brilliant and dark comedy about the city that I admire as much as he, I was eager to purchase the soundtrack. No doubt as both a musician and avid jazz aficianado, Allen has an intuitive musical style and ability to draw together a perfect blend of tunes for his soundtracks. Gershwin's ballads evoke the throwback Allen was seeking, but unforunately his soundtrack does not keep those tunes fully intact. Rather than bringing together a perfect array of Gershwin songs, the soundtrack merely provides glimpses of the Gershwin brothers' brilliance. It's a shame that the music execs didn't offer a 2-CD set with the entire selection played in full, for in no better set can you find a nice blend of upbeat melodies, melancholy ballads, and wistful song and dance. Besides the complete Rhapsody in Blue, you're left with an empty and incomplete mix of great tunes. But if you're looking for 16 minutes of the piano (concerto)classic and a good introductory medley to Gershwin, pick up this CD. Otherwise, if you want great Allen music, I recommend his recording from Wild Man Bluesl, or better yet, Sweet and Lowdown.

This soundtrack from the WOODY ALLEN film, of the same name, features a 16 minute version of the classic George Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue, and a song called "Mine" which sounds a lot like the end theme to Everybody Loves Raymond on CBS. Anyway, well played, by Graffman, and conducted by Mehta. Some of the songs could have been longer, even if it meant this would be a 2 disc set, it's that good. Nice, mellow, music. Buy It!

I have listened to this soundtrack hundreds of times since the movie came out and it brings back floods of memories of when I lived in New York City. A wonderful score,wonderful arrangements. S'wonderfull all the way around...

The beautiful soundtrack to Woody Allen's movie Manhattan starts off with a huge bang--a sixteen minute, lush arrangement of Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue with Gary Graffman at the piano and Zubin Mehta. The quality of the sound couldn't be better, either.

"Rhapsody In Blue" by The New York Philharmonic sparkles like crystal--and that's only the beginning. "Land Of The Gay Caballero" also features a great musical arrangement with great brass, horns and percussion. "Someone To Watch Over Me" is another number I really enjoy; and "I've Got A Crush On You" is thoroughly enjoyable. "I've Got A Crush On You" makes good use of the percussion and I predict that you will enjoy this very much.

"He Loves And She Loves" gets a lush treatment with a stunning violin solo; and listen also for "'S Wonderful." "'S Wonderful" is another Gershwin tune that sounds fresh and new in the capable hands of these fine artists.

"Our Love Is Here To Stay" features a great, somewhat jazzy interpretation that strikes me as very beautiful; and "Embraceable You" gets a tender, passionate treatment, too.

The album ends with "But Not For Me." This number ends the album strong and leaves you wanting more.

Unfortunately, this time around the fact that you will want more means that you should have received more. The music is great--but we should have received much more of it. I agree with other reviewers that too many of these tracks are just too short. The album is too condensed; and I will take off two stars for this to make this a three star review.

I recommend this album for the new Gershwin fan; and people who enjoyed the film Manhattan may also appreciate this CD. Unfortunately, people who want the full experience of the Gershwin magic will do well to look elsewhere.

They somehow managed to capture a sound that means New York, that New York we romanticize about. I've never really enjoyed Ira's lyrics to a lot of the songs contained herein after hearing this presentation of George's music. It's simply got a feel for the Manhattan of so long ago. Woody Allen integrated this music beautifully with the images and his script, but the music tells you a lot about the city he loves so much.

Track #15 on this cd "He Says, She Says," says it all. Gershwin's gorgeous music carries you along over a musical waterfall with each song on this cd. I wore out 2 cassette tapes before I bought this cd. It is a perfect blend of all that is spectacular about Gershwin. You'll daydream your way to "Manhattan" without leaving home. "Do, Do, Do" buy this now.

Quintessential Woody Allen. Quintessential Gershwin. Quintessential New York. Certainly one of the truly iconic sound tracks.

Gorgeous George Gershwin music well-arranged and recorded, but frustating in that most of the selections are so short (eg Strike Up the Band :37). This is what you sometimes get with movie soundtrack CDs. However, the "star" of this music - Rhapsody in Blue with Gary Graffman on piano is outstanding (16:30). Someone to Watch Over Me at 3:24 is another favorite. Yes, buy it but be prepared for the Frustration Factor!