Mark Anderson's "Copland & Gershwin: Piano Music" is a captivating journey through the timeless compositions of two American masters. Released on January 1, 1999, under Nimbus Records, this classical piano album spans a rich 74 minutes, offering a diverse collection of pieces that showcase Anderson's virtuosity and musical depth.
The album opens with Aaron Copland's evocative "Four Piano Blues," a series of pieces dedicated to renowned pianists, followed by his intricate "Piano Sonata" and the rhythmic "Three Preludes." These works highlight Copland's distinctive style, blending modernist sensibilities with a deeply American musical language.
The second half of the album is devoted to the enchanting melodies of George Gershwin. Anderson masterfully interprets Gershwin's "Songbook," featuring beloved classics such as "The Man I Love," "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise," and "I Got Rhythm." The album culminates with Gershwin's iconic "An American in Paris" and the playful "Scherzo Humoristique in D Major 'Le Chat Et La Souris,'" demonstrating Gershwin's ability to infuse jazz and classical elements into his compositions.
Mark Anderson's nuanced performances bring out the richness and complexity of these works, making "Copland & Gershwin: Piano Music" a standout addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
(C) 1999 Wyastone Estate Limited
Tracks
Four Piano Blues: I. For Leo SmitAaron Copland, Mark Anderson
Four Piano Blues: II. For Andor FoldesAaron Copland, Mark Anderson
Four Piano Blues: III. For William KapellAaron Copland, Mark Anderson
Four Piano Blues: IV. For John KirkpatrickAaron Copland, Mark Anderson
Piano Sonata: I. Molto ModeratoAaron Copland, Mark Anderson
Piano Sonata: II. VivaceAaron Copland, Mark Anderson
Piano Sonata: III. Andante SostenutoAaron Copland, Mark Anderson
Three Preludes: I. Allegro Ben Ritmato E DecisoGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
Three Preludes: II. Andante Con Moto E Poco RubatoGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
Three Preludes: III. Allegro Ben Ritmato E DecisoGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 8, The Man I LoveGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 6, I'll Build a Stairway to ParadiseGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 4, Fascinating RhythmGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 11, Oh, Lady Be GoodGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 12, Somebody Loves MeGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 15, Sweet and Low DownGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 16, 'S WonderfulGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 7, LizaGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 18, Who Cares?George Gershwin, Mark Anderson
George Gershwin's Songbook: No. 5, I Got RhythmGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
An American in ParisGeorge Gershwin, Mark Anderson
Scherzo Humoristique in D Major "Le Chat Et La Souris"Aaron Copland, Mark Anderson
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