All-Gershwin Program
Tanglewood, Lenox
August 26
By Shera Cohen
Summer is officially over. Although there are remaining weeks on the calendar, the rumor that summer is still with us is a lie. Here is the fact. The final musical note, the last cheers, and the fourth standing ovation at Tanglewood’s culminating concert mark the true end to the season.
Knowing that today was the last (but just for this year) of orchestral excellence at Tanglewood was a bittersweet occasion. Conductor Keith Lockhart led his Boston Pops in one of its most exciting concerts to date. Playing before a full shed and full lawn, there was little doubt that everyone present left with a smile and perhaps humming. A combination of several factors made this concert a huge success, with none being more important than any of the others; i.e. The Pops, Lockhart, Gershwin, familiar music, Brian Stokes Mitchell, a cool day, and no rain.
Three of Gershwin’s most famous works made for one-half the program. Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaubet laid his fingers on the keyboard to, undoubtedly, create the sounds exactly as Gershwin intended for “I Got Rhythm” and “Rhapsody in Blue.” Each piece included solo sections, and balancing acts between dramatic and humorous, slow and fast, and symphonic and jazzy music. Gershwin, who died at age 39, was certainly a genius, and it is sad to think what else he could have written besides these two classics and “An American in Paris.” The latter ended the afternoon at Tanglewood. Even without images of Gene Kelly in our heads, this piece deserves its lofty and honored place in music history. The Pops and Lockhart also +deserved their numerous standing ovations.
The other half of the performance were Gershwin songs led by two of current Broadway’s best – Marin Mazzie and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Most of the music was light, as the two sang solos and duets. Mitchell had fun with his audience. Also, he can probably hold a note longer than any living singer. He’s handsome, charismatic, and a PBS favorite.
A couple of words of advice – instead of lamenting summer’s departure, remember Tanglewood’s music in the woods. For those only reading what they missed, there is always next year.
August 26
By Shera Cohen
Summer is officially over. Although there are remaining weeks on the calendar, the rumor that summer is still with us is a lie. Here is the fact. The final musical note, the last cheers, and the fourth standing ovation at Tanglewood’s culminating concert mark the true end to the season.
Knowing that today was the last (but just for this year) of orchestral excellence at Tanglewood was a bittersweet occasion. Conductor Keith Lockhart led his Boston Pops in one of its most exciting concerts to date. Playing before a full shed and full lawn, there was little doubt that everyone present left with a smile and perhaps humming. A combination of several factors made this concert a huge success, with none being more important than any of the others; i.e. The Pops, Lockhart, Gershwin, familiar music, Brian Stokes Mitchell, a cool day, and no rain.
Three of Gershwin’s most famous works made for one-half the program. Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaubet laid his fingers on the keyboard to, undoubtedly, create the sounds exactly as Gershwin intended for “I Got Rhythm” and “Rhapsody in Blue.” Each piece included solo sections, and balancing acts between dramatic and humorous, slow and fast, and symphonic and jazzy music. Gershwin, who died at age 39, was certainly a genius, and it is sad to think what else he could have written besides these two classics and “An American in Paris.” The latter ended the afternoon at Tanglewood. Even without images of Gene Kelly in our heads, this piece deserves its lofty and honored place in music history. The Pops and Lockhart also +deserved their numerous standing ovations.
The other half of the performance were Gershwin songs led by two of current Broadway’s best – Marin Mazzie and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Most of the music was light, as the two sang solos and duets. Mitchell had fun with his audience. Also, he can probably hold a note longer than any living singer. He’s handsome, charismatic, and a PBS favorite.
A couple of words of advice – instead of lamenting summer’s departure, remember Tanglewood’s music in the woods. For those only reading what they missed, there is always next year.
Labels: berkshires, gershwin, music, tanglewood
