Written and produced
by Len Power
Narrated by Bill
Stephens
‘The Gershwin Project’ was first broadcast on Artsound FM in
2008. It went on to play nationally on
the Community Radio Network and was also played on English-speaking community
radio stations in Europe.
The 26 episodes cover the life and works of the 20th Century American music composer, George Gershwin. Each episode runs for 30 minutes.
In his short, driven life, George Gershwin wrote hundreds of songs, as well as some of the world’s most popular orchestral pieces, including ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and the opera, ‘Porgy And Bess’, which continue to be performed frequently.
Gershwin’s vibrant, diverse music combined great melodies and classical stylings with the syncopated rhythms and forceful energy of jazz.
Countless singers and musicians have recorded Gershwin songs - Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis, Madonna, Sting and many others.
With access to the vast music library of local Gershwin collector, Bert Whelan, the programs include not only Gershwin’s well-known music but also an extraordinary number of Gershwin rarities.
Program 1: Introduction
The exploration of the Gershwin catalogue of hundreds of songs, piano music and orchestral pieces begins with an emotion-charged performance of ‘Swanee’ by Al Jolson soon after George Gershwin’s death in 1937.
Bert Whelan, Canberra, Australia resident and Gershwin collector for over 60 years, talks about his collection. You’ll hear performances by Dinah Shore, Rosemary Clooney, Michael Feinstein and George Gershwin himself.
Listen now:
https://www.mixcloud.com/artsoundfm/the-gershwin-project-episode-01/
