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Joshua Bell's exquisite playing turns these arrangements into Gold. In the hands of Perlman or Shaham these arrangements would be pure shmaltz, but Bell's playing is of the highest caliber.
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Love it! I had heard of Josh Bell but never had purchased any of his music. I am a full fan now. This cd is wonderful. I am a Gershwin fan and have been for years. Bell breathes new life into the old classics and the result is breathtaking. His touch with the violin is beyound discription. He even plays with George in one cut, Sweet and Low Down. That alone is worth the price of the cd. Buy this cd and expect to be enchanted. It has been in my changer for weeks now, I can't get enough.
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This CD was my introduction to Joshua Bell after hearing a track on our local Washington, DC, classical radio station. It was hard not to be struck not only by the warmth of Mr. Bell's playing but also by his phrasing. He is almost never flashy, but his nuances made me find new musical possibilities which I hope -- but somehow doubt -- Gershwin intended. This is Gershwin as you have never heard him before, and it desires a place in anyone's classical or jazz collection.
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On my first hearing of Joshua Bell I was compelled to listen without knowing why. Now I know, after listening to his Gershwin CD. I know of very, very few musicians who have a genius for presenting musical content so precisely, and Joshua Bell is right at the top. One hardly misses the words from Gershwin's arias and songs, so accute is Bell's sense of just the right nuance for any musical moment. From his most suitable rubato to his penchant for the precisely appropriate sonority, he is a most eloquent player, and it all flows from him so naturally with no evidence of contrivance. I want to hear as much of him as possible!
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Joshua Bell, one of the finest violinists around, is obviously in charge of his own career, what & where he plays and what he records. This album of Gershwin music is so wonderful, it'll put you in a good mood, whistling down the street as soon as you hear it: the FANTASY FOR VIOLIN AND ORCHESTRA ON PORGY AND BESS is as good or better than the famous CARMEN FANTASY by Sarasate which violinists all over the world make part of their repertoire. Nine different excerpts from Gershwin's opera are blended beautifully and movingly in this arrangement by Alexander Courage. The THREE PRELUDES (originally for piano solo) are the ones that Heifetz did for himself. Bell shines in these pieces. And then there are the songs: 7 in all including "Love Is Here To Stay," "Liza," "I Got Rhythm" and others. Bell makes his violin sing. Buy this CD for yourself or as a gift along with Bell's new version of Bernstein's WEST SIDE STORY SUITE. You'll make someone very happy with these wonderful CD's of 20th century American popular music. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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