George gershwin
George Gershwin (1898-1937) was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin’s compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known. Among his best known works are the orchestral compositions “Rhapsody in Blue” and “An American in Paris”, as well as the opera “Porgy and Bess” (1935).
George Gershwin was born in Brooklyn, the second of four children from an immigrant family of Ukrainian father and a Russian mother. Gershwin studied piano. He began his career as a song plugger, but soon thereafter started composing his own pieces. He moved to Paris where he began to compose “An American in Paris”. After returning to New York City, he wrote opera “Porgy and Bess”. Gershwin called it a “folk opera”. “Porgy and Bess” is now considered one of the most important American operas of the twentieth century. Gershwin moved to Hollywood and composed numerous film scores until his death in 1937.
Gershwin’s compositions have been used in numerous films and on television, and several became jazz standards recorded in many variations. Countless singers and musicians have recorded Gershwin songs. Today he remains one of America’s most beloved popular musicians.
Words & Expressions:
a melting pot – плавильный котел
a spiritual – спиричуэл (негритянская духовная песня)
a flute – флейта
percussion instruments – ударные инструменты
a drum – барабан
a rattle – трещотка
to span – охватывать
a song plugger – включатель песни
Questions:
What British composers do you know?
Music of what British composers have you heard?
What is the folk musical instrument of Scotland?
Who is one of the most successful British composers of musicals?
What musicals of Webber have you seen?
What genres does American folk music include?
What American composers do you know?
TCHAIKOVSKY
IN NEW YORK
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893) was a Russian composer whose works included sympho-nies, concertos, operas, ballets and chamber music. Some of these are among the most popular concert and theatrical music in the classical repertoire. He was the first Russian composer whose music made a lasting impression internationally, which he bolstered with appearances as a guest conductor in Europe and the United States. One of these appearances was at the inaugural concert of Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1891.
In April 1891 Tchaikovsky went to the USA. He was invited to inaugurate the newly-built concert hall in New York – the largest in America – Carnegie Hall. Tchaikovsky was the first Russian composer who was offered a tour in America. On coming there Tchaikovsky was surprised to learn that he was very popular in America. American musicians were happy to play under his baton not only because Tchaikovsky was considered to be a great composer but because he was also a talented conductor.
On the 5th of May, the day of the inauguration of Carnegie Hall, Tchaikovsky seemed to be excited. The hall was too big; the richly-dressed audience packed the hall.
The music of Beethoven, Berlioz and Tchaikovsky was on the programme of the concert. When the audience saw Tchaikovsky come on to the stage there was a storm of applause, the public warmly greeted the famous composer. The ceremonial march he conducted sounded solemn and victorious.
After the concert people surrounded the composer, they did not want to let him go. The concert had a great success. The newspapers reported: “The greatest concert hall in America was inaugurated by the greatest of the living composers.”
Today you can also listen to music at Carnegie Hall, on 57th Street and Seventh Avenue.
Words & Expressions:
to bolster with appearances – содействовать появлению
to inaugurate – открывать
to play under one’s baton – играть под руководством
an inauguration – торжественное открытие
warmly greet – тепло приветствовать
solemn – торжественный
Questions:
When did Tchaikovsky go to New York?
Why did he go there?
Did any other Russian composer happen to be invited to America at that time?
Why were American musicians happy to play under his baton?
How did Tchaikovsky feel on the day of the inauguration?
What music was on the programme?
Did the concert have a success?