This live recording, made in Berlin, documents the hugely successful 1952 revival of Porgy and Bess that toured the U.S. and numerous European cities. Although the production restored music that had been omitted from the work's previous performances, this version still contains almost an hour less music than the most "complete" modern recordings. In spite of that caveat, and the fact that this version uses a reduced orchestration, this gripping performance should be a cause for rejoicing for anyone who loves the opera. ...
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This live recording, made in Berlin, documents the hugely successful 1952 revival of Porgy and Bess that toured the U.S. and numerous European cities. Although the production restored music that had been omitted from the work's previous performances, this version still contains almost an hour less music than the most "complete" modern recordings. In spite of that caveat, and the fact that this version uses a reduced orchestration, this gripping performance should be a cause for rejoicing for anyone who loves the opera. Conducted by Alexander Smallens, who led the opera's premiere under the composer's supervision, this version is a direct link to Gershwin's interpretive intentions for the music, and it's a compelling reading, driving and propulsive, but organically fluid. A great deal of credit goes to Robert Breen for the vitality of his naturalistic direction. The opening scene, for example, is a vibrant portrait of life on Catfish Row, full of chaotic talking, shouting, improvised singing, and...
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