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细节
GERSHWIN, George (1898-1937). Typed letter signed ("George") to George Pallay, New York, 11 June 1931. 2 pages, 4to, on two sheets, double-matted and in a fine archival giltwood frame.
GERSHWIN ON HIS NEW SECOND RHAPSODY, FRED ASTAIRE AND THE ZIEGFIELD FOLLIES
A fascinating letter, rich in references to Gershwin's compositions, and with pithy comments on several artists and producers including Fred and Adele Astaire and the producer Max Gordon. "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."
Then he considers the title of his newly completed Rhapsody, which he wrote originally for the movie "Delicious," but also planned for the concert hall: "The reason I have soured on [Rhapsody for] '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...but for concert purposes I think the abstract title 'Second Rhapsody' (while perhaps not a very exciting title) would be less confusing." The Second Rhapsody premiered on the concert stage in January 1932 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Serge Koussevitzky, with Gershwin himself at the piano.
GERSHWIN ON HIS NEW SECOND RHAPSODY, FRED ASTAIRE AND THE ZIEGFIELD FOLLIES
A fascinating letter, rich in references to Gershwin's compositions, and with pithy comments on several artists and producers including Fred and Adele Astaire and the producer Max Gordon. "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."
Then he considers the title of his newly completed Rhapsody, which he wrote originally for the movie "Delicious," but also planned for the concert hall: "The reason I have soured on [Rhapsody for] '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...but for concert purposes I think the abstract title 'Second Rhapsody' (while perhaps not a very exciting title) would be less confusing." The Second Rhapsody premiered on the concert stage in January 1932 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Serge Koussevitzky, with Gershwin himself at the piano.