Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gershwin: Oh, Kay!
Soloists, Orchestra of St Luke's/ Stern
(Nonesuch 79361)
Don't you just love the unassuming way that "Someone to Watch Over Me" - one of the greatest of all show-songs - ambles into the overture. Please note, this is the show that gave it birth, not that hybrid impostor Crazy for You. Note also how the Gershwins make capital out of it, its first appearance wistfully understated, and then, wham, a big emotional curtain to Act 1 for their heroine.
Dawn Upshaw is that heroine here, a Gertrude Lawrence for our times, phrasing like she wants to show you how much she means what she sings. And Nonesuch, in its continuing series of Gershwin stage works, has once again assembled a cast around her that sounds like they're living the period. 1926, to be precise.
This was George and Ira's first collaboration with Guy Bolton and PG Wodehouse and it was a smash, a peach of a score, the very effervescence of the light-headed Twenties. Toe-tappers "Clap Yo' Hands" and "Do, Do, Do" go back-to-back in this show, and that boogie-woogie piano is never too far away. Swingtime. ES
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments