In 1935 George Gershwin continued the melding of theatrical classical and jazz idioms he began with Rhapsody in Blue bringing DuBose Heyward's novel and play ÊPorgyÊ to the musical stage with ÊPorgy and BessÊ. Collaborating with his brother Ira and Heyward Gershwin created what was deemed at the time a folk opera ä a work that over the years has passed through cycles of praise and criticism finally achieving recognition as a great American theatrical achievement and inclusion in the repertoire of opera companies around the world.ÞÞIn this lavishly illustrated 75th anniversary volume created with the participation of the Gershwin estate opera producer and author Robin Thompson recounts the history of ÊPorgy and BessÊ as he looks at the various interpretations of the work and the many layers of meaning to be found in the story of the crippled Porgy the conflicted and vulnerable Bess the dope peddler Sportin' Life and the other residents of Catfish Row.ÞÞPacked with unique rarely seen archival photographs and documents associated with the production ÊPorgy and BessÊ commemorates this uniquely American blending of musical ethnic and creative styles and the people the performers and the times that produced it.
