Details
GERSHWIN, GEORGE. Typed letter signed ("George") to George Pallay in San Francisco; New York, 11 June 1931. 2 pages, 4to, on two sheets, one with Gershwin's personal printed letterhead, 3 short fold breaks, faint marginal dampstain.
A TITLE FOR A NEW RHAPSODY
A fine letter of show business news, with an interesting aside on the naming of the Second Rhapsody: "...Having finished the orchestration of my new Rhapsody, I am just marking time waiting for Aarons and Freedley to deliver a book for the next show. Same old book trouble. Went to the opening of 'The Band Wagon' - the show produced by Max Gordon, which includes Fred and Adele Astaire and Tillie Losch. It got sensational reviews and, as far as production and numbers go, is a genuine smash. The comedy is its weak point. It's of the sophisticated kind and lacks punch, but Fred Astaire alone is worth the price of admission. Last night I went down to see part of the rehearsal of the new Ziegfield Follies and besides seeing about ninety American beauties, I got a tremendous laugh out of a slapstick musical number that is in the show. I think the act is called 'Britton's Orchestra' and it is a band composed of eight lunatics--four violins and one cello are broken every time the act goes on. About the new Rhapsody's title. The reason I have soured on 'Rivets' is that it gives the listener a mental picture before the piece starts that I don't believe the piece carries out. The title may be all right for the picture--where four or five minutes of the concentrated rhythm parts would be used, but--for concert purposes--I think the abstract title 'Second Rhapsody' (while, perhaps, not a very exciting title) would be less confusing...."
A TITLE FOR A NEW RHAPSODY
A fine letter of show business news, with an interesting aside on the naming of the Second Rhapsody: "...Having finished the orchestration of my new Rhapsody, I am just marking time waiting for Aarons and Freedley to deliver a book for the next show. Same old book trouble. Went to the opening of 'The Band Wagon' - the show produced by Max Gordon, which includes Fred and Adele Astaire and Tillie Losch. It got sensational reviews and, as far as production and numbers go, is a genuine smash. The comedy is its weak point. It's of the sophisticated kind and lacks punch, but Fred Astaire alone is worth the price of admission. Last night I went down to see part of the rehearsal of the new Ziegfield Follies and besides seeing about ninety American beauties, I got a tremendous laugh out of a slapstick musical number that is in the show. I think the act is called 'Britton's Orchestra' and it is a band composed of eight lunatics--four violins and one cello are broken every time the act goes on. About the new Rhapsody's title. The reason I have soured on 'Rivets' is that it gives the listener a mental picture before the piece starts that I don't believe the piece carries out. The title may be all right for the picture--where four or five minutes of the concentrated rhythm parts would be used, but--for concert purposes--I think the abstract title 'Second Rhapsody' (while, perhaps, not a very exciting title) would be less confusing...."