A Gershwin Moment is upon us: Rhapsody in Blue and the Concerto in F – not so long ago marginalized repertoire in limbo between classical and popular genres – are now, unapologetically, concert staples. George Gershwin is finally recognized as an early harbinger of musical synergies that we now take for granted. No longer viewed as an “inspired dilettante,” betwixt and between, the new Gershwin is a confident master, versatile and visionary. In this album recorded live, pianist Kirill Gerstein explores the music of George Gershwin. Together with conductor David Robertson and the St. Louis Symphony he plays the Concerto in F as well as the original jazz band version of the Rhapsody in Blue. Program also includes a selection of Gershwin songs in solo piano arrangements by the American pianist Earl Wild. The album features Gerstein's collaboration with two special guests: vocalist Storm Large sings Gershwin's “Summertime”. Together with the legendary jazz vibraphonist, Gary Burton, Gerstein plays a jazz standard “Blame It on My Youth” written by Gershwin's close friend, Oscar Levant.
