A terrific collection of songs by George Gershwin that the composer has arranged as piano solos. Ideal for the intermediate pianist and a great insight into the mind of one America's greatest composers. Titles: The Man I Love * I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise * Do It Again * Fascinating Rhythm * Oh, Lady Be Good * Somebody Loves Me * Sweet and Low Down * Clap Yo' Hands * Do Do Do * My One and Only * 'S Wonderful * Strike Up the Band * I Got Rhythm * Who Cares? * That Certain Feeling * Liza

Michael Feinstein was just 20 years old when he got the chance of a lifetime: a job with his hero, Ira Gershwin. During their six-year partnership, Feinstein blossomed under Gershwin's mentorship and Gershwin was reinvigorated by the younger man's zeal. Now, in The Gershwins and Me, Michael Feinstein shares unforgettable stories and reminiscences from the music that defined American popular song, along with rare Gershwin memorabilia he's collected through the years. Includes an accompanying CD packed with Feinstein's original recordings of 12 Gershwins' songs.

To provide greater availability for a work of such importance, the original publishers secured from Gershwin a solo piano version wherein the orchestral parts are fused together with the solo piano part (PS0047). Due to concerns that the composer's arrangement presented too many technical demands to pianists not possessing the requisite technique, a modified arrangement was delicately solicited from pianists of the time. (Gershwin's untimely death precluded any modification from the composer himself.) Many attempts at technical modifications were rejected on ethical grounds until Herman Wasserman--who taught Gershwin to play the piano--submitted a manuscript which became this edition. Several prominent pianists who reviewed the score all attested to the amazing reduction in technical demands while retaining the clarity, sonority, and brilliance of the original. This edition is designed for Early Advanced pianists, although some sections, including the well-known Moderato middle section, are accessible to those performing at less-advanced levels.

"Rialto Ripples" is George Gershwin's first published instrumental and his only piano rag. It has all the hallmarks of Gershwin's piano style merging ragtime with a piano novelty number. It's fun, it's delightful, it's a toe-tapper, and smile-maker. This wonderful rag is accessible to intermediate level pianists but will attract advanced players, too. A great addition to recital and encore lists!

Traces the life of the American Jewish composer who created a new kind of music that has lasted beyond the fashion of his time.

The Man I Love" is a classic American standard with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by his brother Ira. It was originally part of the 1924 score for the Gershwin musical comedy Oh, Lady, Be Good!. The song was deleted from that show and put into the Gershwins' 1927 government satire Strike Up the Band, where it appears as both "The Man I Love" and "The Girl I Love." Popular recordings in 1920s were by Marion Harris; Sophie Tucker; Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra (vocal by Vaughn De Leath); and by Fred Rich and His Orchestra (vocal also by Vaughn De Leath). As with many standards from that era, it has become far more famous as a stand-alone popular song than as one from a Broadway musical. This symphonic arrangement of "The Man I Love" by Tom Myron is based on George Gershwin's original piano-vocal and solo piano versions of the song. The style of orchestration is meant to strongly evoke the symphonic world of pre-war Broadway and Golden Age Hollywood."

Explores how Gershwin's iconic music was shaped by American political, intellectual, cultural and business interests as well as technological advances.