Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Music of Manhattan is 'S Wonderful, March 13, 2001
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.
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not much more than a Medley, July 31, 2000
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.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great introduction to Gershwin, September 14, 1999
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.
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DVD ~ Woody Allen
~ Various Artists
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DVD ~ Leah Carrey
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by George Gershwin 
