Dear Fellow Cleveland Orchestra Fans:
I'll be joining the wonderful musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra this Saturday for a program at Blossom. Now while the Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin is the "big number" on the program ― what I set about when selecting works for this program was to explore how “popular” music found its way into the hallowed confines of the concert hall. Certainly, Rhapsody in Blue opened the door for this to happen.
Let me go through the program:
Street Scene by Alfred Newman
This was a concert work that Al composed back in the 1930s. It found its way into many of his film scores. The music is very Gershwin-y. Some folks might remember it played by the 20th Century Fox Orchestra with Al conducting as a prelude to a terrific film called How to Marry a Millionaire. I might sneak in the 20th Century Fox Fanfare as a prelude to this work. This is also by Al Newman.
Three Penny Opera Suite by Kurt Weill
A wonderful suite of pieces scored for a very small “pit orchestra.” Besides "Mack the Knife," there is a ton of great music from this show. If you haven't seen the show ― it's a lot like Cabaret.
Theme from The Bad and the Beautiful ― “Love Is For the Very Young," by David Raksin
David Raksin was a dear friend and teacher of mine. Stephen Sondheim once told David he thought this was one of the best "theme songs" for a picture. It, along with David's "Laura" are probably his best known "themes." In the orchestra arrangement we'll play, the solo is played on and alto sax.
Slaughter on Tenth Avenue by Richard Rodgers
This is a terrific score orchestrated by Hans Spialek ― many might remember the terrific recording of this by the Boston Pops and Arthur Fiedler. It even has a gunshot in it. The best way to describe the plot is an old fashioned cops and robbers story.
Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin arranged for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra by Ferde Grofé
We'll be performing the original Whiteman Band arrangement of this ― the only time this piece could really be called "jazz" was at the first performance when George improvised the whole piano solo section just before the big tune ― in Ferde’s score, George wrote a note to Whiteman to…"Wait for Nod." I love it!!!!
Sophisticated Lady by Duke Ellington arranged by Morton Gould
This is a terrific arrangement for just strings, harp, and celeste.
Night and Day by Cole Porter
A cute arrangement again by Hans Spialek for the old NBC Symphony Orchestra.
We wrap the whole concert up with a ballet by Gershwin from his film score Shall We Dance. I like to call it "Music for Fred and Ginger." A terrific work ― listen for the great saxophone writing. One of the arrangers for this piece was Herb Spencer who later became John Williams’ orchestrator.
I sure hope to see you at Blossom!
Loras
I'll be joining the wonderful musicians of the Cleveland Orchestra this Saturday for a program at Blossom. Now while the Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin is the "big number" on the program ― what I set about when selecting works for this program was to explore how “popular” music found its way into the hallowed confines of the concert hall. Certainly, Rhapsody in Blue opened the door for this to happen.
Let me go through the program:
Street Scene by Alfred Newman
This was a concert work that Al composed back in the 1930s. It found its way into many of his film scores. The music is very Gershwin-y. Some folks might remember it played by the 20th Century Fox Orchestra with Al conducting as a prelude to a terrific film called How to Marry a Millionaire. I might sneak in the 20th Century Fox Fanfare as a prelude to this work. This is also by Al Newman.
Three Penny Opera Suite by Kurt Weill
A wonderful suite of pieces scored for a very small “pit orchestra.” Besides "Mack the Knife," there is a ton of great music from this show. If you haven't seen the show ― it's a lot like Cabaret.
Theme from The Bad and the Beautiful ― “Love Is For the Very Young," by David Raksin
David Raksin was a dear friend and teacher of mine. Stephen Sondheim once told David he thought this was one of the best "theme songs" for a picture. It, along with David's "Laura" are probably his best known "themes." In the orchestra arrangement we'll play, the solo is played on and alto sax.
Slaughter on Tenth Avenue by Richard Rodgers
This is a terrific score orchestrated by Hans Spialek ― many might remember the terrific recording of this by the Boston Pops and Arthur Fiedler. It even has a gunshot in it. The best way to describe the plot is an old fashioned cops and robbers story.
Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin arranged for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra by Ferde Grofé
We'll be performing the original Whiteman Band arrangement of this ― the only time this piece could really be called "jazz" was at the first performance when George improvised the whole piano solo section just before the big tune ― in Ferde’s score, George wrote a note to Whiteman to…"Wait for Nod." I love it!!!!
Sophisticated Lady by Duke Ellington arranged by Morton Gould
This is a terrific arrangement for just strings, harp, and celeste.
Night and Day by Cole Porter
A cute arrangement again by Hans Spialek for the old NBC Symphony Orchestra.
We wrap the whole concert up with a ballet by Gershwin from his film score Shall We Dance. I like to call it "Music for Fred and Ginger." A terrific work ― listen for the great saxophone writing. One of the arrangers for this piece was Herb Spencer who later became John Williams’ orchestrator.
I sure hope to see you at Blossom!
Loras
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