George Gershwin, Zubin Mehta, New York Philharmonic, Gary Graffman - Manhattan (1979 Film)

What's that song?

I've been a Gershwin fanatic since I was 7 or so... and I'm 52 now. I've long though I had all of his stuff. But my DVD of the movie begins with a short piano piece, of similar timbre to the famous "Three Preludes" for solo piano. It's about 2 minutes long, and as far as I can tell from the Amazon song listings for the soundtrack - it's not on it!
I adore this little gem, and wonder if anyone out there knows what it is.
It should be the "Fourth Prelude." Mr. Gershwin had originally planned five, but cut it to three for reason(s) unknown. How I wish we still had people composing who could write such beautiful things! Wayne from VA April 27, 2008

should have been a two CD set

The beautiful soundtrack to Woody Allen's movie Manhattan starts off with a huge bang--a sixteen minute, lush arrangement of Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue with Gary Graffman at the piano and Zubin Mehta. The quality of the sound couldn't be better, either.

"Rhapsody In Blue" by The New York Philharmonic sparkles like crystal--and that's only the beginning. "Land Of The Gay Caballero" also features a great musical arrangement with great brass, horns and percussion. "Someone To Watch Over Me" is another number I really enjoy; and "I've Got A Crush On You" is thoroughly enjoyable. "I've Got A Crush On You" makes good use of the percussion and I predict that you will enjoy this very much.

"He Loves And She Loves" gets a lush treatment with a stunning violin solo; and listen also for "'S Wonderful." "'S Wonderful" is another Gershwin tune that sounds fresh and new in the capable hands of these fine artists.

"Our Love Is Here To Stay" features a great, somewhat jazzy interpretation that strikes me as very beautiful; and "Embraceable You" gets a tender, passionate treatment, too.

The album ends with "But Not For Me." This number ends the album strong and leaves you wanting more.

Unfortunately, this time around the fact that you will want more means that you should have received more. The music is great--but we should have received much more of it. I agree with other reviewers that too many of these tracks are just too short. The album is too condensed; and I will take off two stars for this to make this a three star review.

I recommend this album for the new Gershwin fan; and people who enjoyed the film Manhattan may also appreciate this CD. Unfortunately, people who want the full experience of the Gershwin magic will do well to look elsewhere.
January 7, 2008

The magic of Gershwin

The wonderful music of Gershwin is the final touch to what I consider the best film by Woody Allen (Story, scenes, the Black and White and so on..). It's a pity the recording has not been re-mastered: It's only an AAD and I think Zubin Mehta deserved some more consideration.
Fulvio Arman, Italy August 23, 2007

another great Woody soundtrack

Although I loved this soundtrack, I suspect I could have done just as well by buying a complete version of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue". January 11, 2007

He Says and She Says

Track #15 on this cd "He Says, She Says," says it all. Gershwin's gorgeous music carries you along over a musical waterfall with each song on this cd. I wore out 2 cassette tapes before I bought this cd. It is a perfect blend of all that is spectacular about Gershwin. You'll daydream your way to "Manhattan" without leaving home. "Do, Do, Do" buy this now. November 17, 2003

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