Rhapsody in Blue

Last night I spent an absolutely delightful evening at Abravanel Hall listening to the Utah Symphony and guest soloist Kevin Cole play the music of George Gershwin.  It was a lovely way to end a very busy week!  The orchestra began with Gershwin's Cuban Overture.  I really enjoyed all of the percussion and Latin rhythms.  I was practically dancing in my seat!  Next the orchestra was joined by Kevin Cole on piano for Gershwin's Second Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra.  I liked how the main theme was repeated by the various sections in the orchestra.  After the intermission Kevin Cole joined the orchestra once again for "I Got Rhythm" Variations for Piano and Orchestra.  It was a lot of fun listening for all of the different versions of this popular song.  Next came Promenade "Walking the Dog" which Gershwin wrote for the scene in the movie Shall We Dance where Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire walk a dog on a luxury liner.  It was very lively and I heard the man sitting in front of me giggling at the end of it!  The orchestra and Kevin Cole concluded with the main event, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.  I waited all evening to hear this piece and I loved it!  I especially enjoyed the instantly recognizable opening solo played by Principal Clarinet Tad Calcara because it is so whimsical.  It was very entertaining watching Cole's fingers flying up and down the keyboard and he received a thunderous standing ovation (which prompted, not one but, two encores).  Gershwin can always be counted on for a wonderful concert and I recommend getting a ticket for tonight's performance which will be less formal (go here for information and tickets).

Note:  The orchestra also played a piece called Sacred Geometry by Andrew Norman, the Composer in Association with the Utah Symphony.  I must admit that I didn't really care for it because I found it to be quite jarring.