Michael Feinstein

Excellent look at the lives and music of George and Ira Gershwin by Michael Feinstein. Feinstein worked with Ira Gershwin for several years so the book provides a first-hand account of Ira in his later years as well as Ira's reminiscences of working in Tin Pan Alley. The book provides a great look at music in the early 20th century and includes plenty of photographs, not just of the Gershwins but of sheet music, notes on composition paper, photos from shows, etc. The book's writing style made it very easy to read and at times you felt you were there when Feinstein was having a conversation with Ira or even back in the 1920's when George was premiering Rhapsody in Blue. Feinstein is correct that this music is in danger of being lost because music appreciation is no longer being taught in schools. This is a shame because the music of the early part of the 20th century, not just the Gershwins, but Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, and so many others, are the best that have ever been written. The book also includes a cd by Feinstein with music and commentary.… (meer)