Rhapsody In Blue, George Gershwin - Concerto in F, Catfish Row, Rialto Ripples

Released in 2012 on the audiophile-focused Fonè label, this recording brings together Italian pianist Stefano Bollani and conductor Riccardo Chailly to interpret the jazz-inflected works of George Gershwin. The project was conceived as a high-fidelity exploration of American symphonic jazz, pairing the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra with Bollani's improvisational sensibility. The production reflects Fonè’s signature commitment to capturing natural acoustic environments, utilizing specialized microphone techniques to preserve the intricate dynamic range of the Concerto in F and the iconic Rhapsody in Blue.

The album serves as a bridge between the rigorous structure of classical orchestration and the spontaneous spirit of jazz. Riccardo Chailly, known for his deep affinity for Gershwin’s orchestrations, sought a performance that felt both authentic to the composer's intentions and vital in its contemporary execution. The inclusion of the suites and the early ragtime piece Rialto Ripples provides a comprehensive look at Gershwin's stylistic evolution. Upon its release, the recording was praised by critics for the synergy between Bollani and the Gewandhaus musicians, highlighting a rare balance between technical precision and the requisite rhythmic swing demanded by the Gershwin repertoire.