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Description
“Porgy and Bess” is an example of a modern opera. In this work – composed in 1934 – George Gershwin uses lyrics written by his brother Ira, depicting a story about the life of black people, living in the slums of the American South. This was a very controversial and daring choice of a story, as well as the fact that the first performance involved an almost entirely African – American cast. This was George and Ira’s protest against racism, which still thrived at that time in upper society. There are many melodies in this opera – such as “It Ain’t Necessarily So” – which sound like original folk material, but they are actually composed by Gershwin himself. He made them sound like genuine spirituals, gospel and folk songs. It is also one of the first significant works of 20th century which introduces jazz as part of the classical music repertoire.
HomeOrchestra arrangements of classical music standards will help you feel like a professional from first steps. Listen to “the Demo” file, where songs are featured exactly as they finally should sound, with HomeOrchestra’s soloist and the orchestra. Practice with our music sheet, then play our “play-along” track, step in as a soloist, and enjoy leading a full-scale symphonic orchestra in the comfort of your home!
