George Gershwin and Porgy and Bess

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of George Gershwin's music compositions?

He only composed classical music

He only composed popular music

He blended classical and jazz music (correct)

He only composed jazz music

What is the name of the opera composed by George Gershwin with a libretto by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin?

An American in Paris

Summertime

Rhapsody in Blue

Porgy and Bess (correct)

What was the reception like at the premiere of 'Porgy and Bess' in 1935?

Not well-received by the African American community

Universally acclaimed for its innovative blend of opera and jazz

Overwhelmingly negative due to its experimental nature

Mixed, with some praising its innovation and others criticizing its portrayal of African American life (correct)

Where is the setting of Porgy and Bess?

Catfish Row, a fictional African American community in Charleston, South Carolina Signup and view all the answers

What was the key influence on Gershwin's incorporation of jazz and blues elements in 'Porgy and Bess'?

The Harlem Renaissance Signup and view all the answers

Who sings the song 'Summertime' in Porgy and Bess?

Clara Signup and view all the answers

In which key is the original orchestral version of 'Summertime' primarily set?

B minor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary theme of the song 'Summertime'?

A sense of hope and reassurance Signup and view all the answers

What type of instrumentation is used in the original orchestral version of 'Summertime'?

Strings, woodwinds, brass, and a harp Signup and view all the answers

What is the key signature of the song 'Summertime'?

A minor Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe the melodic line of 'Summertime' in the original orchestral version?

Smooth, lyrical, and featuring expressive phrasing and legato playing Signup and view all the answers

During which historical period was Porgy and Bess composed?

During the Great Depression Signup and view all the answers

What type of rhythmic elements are prominent in 'Summertime'?

Slow, steady tempo with syncopated rhythms Signup and view all the answers

What inspired George Gershwin to write Porgy and Bess?

A novel by DuBose Heyward Signup and view all the answers

Which dynamic markings are most commonly used in 'Summertime'?

Piano and pianissimo Signup and view all the answers

What inspired the lullaby nature of 'Summertime'?

Southern folk spirituals and lullabies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

George Gershwin

American composer and pianist who contributed to both classical and popular music
Famous works include "Rhapsody in Blue," "An American in Paris," and "Porgy and Bess"
Born in 1898
Often blended classical and jazz genres in his compositions

"Porgy and Bess"

An opera composed by George Gershwin with a libretto by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin
Premiered in 1935
Set in Catfish Row, a fictional African American community in Charleston, South Carolina
Main characters include Porgy, Bess, Crown, Sportin' Life, and Serena

"Summertime"

Composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by DuBose Heyward
Sung by Clara in "Porgy and Bess"
Primary theme is a lullaby that conveys a sense of hope and reassurance
Key signature is typically in A minor
Tempo is generally slow, often marked as andante or adagio
Structure follows an AABA pattern
Heavily influenced by jazz and blues styles
Predominant mood is lyrical and soothing

Historical Context and Story Behind the Song

Composed during the Great Depression
Addresses social issues of poverty, racism, and the struggles of the African American community
Inspired by DuBose Heyward's novel "Porgy," which depicted life in the African American South
Initial reception was mixed, with some praising the innovative blend of opera and jazz, while others criticized the portrayal of African American life
Influenced by the Harlem Renaissance, a time of cultural flourishing for African American artists

Detailed Musical Elements of "Summertime" (Original Orchestral Version)

Primarily set in B minor
Instrumentation includes strings, woodwinds, brass, and a harp, creating a rich and lush texture
Melodic line is smooth, lyrical, and features expressive phrasing and legato playing
Harmony includes jazz-influenced chords and progressions, providing a lush and dreamy backdrop to the melody
Rhythmic elements are characterized by a slow, steady tempo with syncopated rhythms
Dynamic markings frequently employ soft dynamics (piano and pianissimo), with occasional crescendos to add emotional intensity