George Gerswin: Rhapsody In Blue; Concerto In F; Catfish Row; Rialto Ripples

Released in 2023 by Decca, this recording represents a contemporary exploration of George Gershwin’s seminal symphonic works. The project brings together the renowned Gewandhausorchester Leipzig under the direction of Riccardo Chailly and the virtuosic Italian jazz pianist Stefano Bollani. By pairing a world-class classical institution with a musician rooted in improvisation, the release seeks to bridge the gap between the formal orchestral traditions Gershwin respected and the improvisational spirit of the jazz era that defined his most iconic compositions.

The album serves as a testament to the enduring versatility of the Rhapsody in Blue and the Concerto in F. Riccardo Chailly, a conductor celebrated for his deep engagement with 20th-century American repertoire, provides a precise, rhythmic framework, while Stefano Bollani offers a fluid, expressive approach to the piano parts. This recording was received as a respectful, yet fresh interpretation, capturing the inherent playfulness of 'Rialto Ripples' and the atmospheric scope of 'Catfish Row' with modern high-fidelity production standards.