Called Manhattan Moods, it contains music inspired by the city, but even more so, by George Gershwin. Two ("Manhattan Serenade" and "Manhattan Moonlight") are by songwriter Lou Alter, who wrote many pieces with a New York theme.
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| Morton Gould |
The Nocturne is by Thomas Griselle. "Park Avenue Fantasy," by songwriter-bandleader Matty Malneck, became known as "Stairway to the Stars" after it acquired lyrics. Gould wrote "Big City Blues."
Probably the best known composition is "Street Scene," from the music that Hollywood's Alfred Newman produced for the 1931 film of the Elmer Rice play, which is set in New York.
The recording was made in June 1950, possibly in Columbia's 30th Street studio in New York. It is quite resonant. I wonder if this in an example of "stairwell reverb."
The cover is by Alex Steinweiss.
I used to think Gershwin cast a long shadow over American (and French) music from 1925 to 1950. But now I think of him as a mighty oak that was generous with its shade. Just look at all the great composers like Bernstein and Ravel(of the 2 piano conertos) who unceasingly drank from his fountain. This album is such a vibrant reminder of the America I grew up in. Thanks for posting it.
ReplyDeleteYes, I really love this material. It has always been a part of my life, so in a real way it is a part of me. That's why it is great to share - and great to hear from others who feel the way I do!
ReplyDeleteI discovered your wonderful blog just this weekend. I've always loved Morton Gould's music, having played his "World War One" album to smithereens when I was a kid. Here and there I've picked up some of his orchestral LPs at thrift shops, but they're so often in horrible condition. Thank you so much for introducing me to these wonderful old albums - with such pristine sound!
ReplyDeleteThanks Moe - I have many more Gould records, so I am sure we'll be hearing from him again.
ReplyDeleteHello Buster...like everyone else here I am a Gould enthusiast. However the links presented here are all dead. Do you plan on uploading again anytime soon?
ReplyDeleteI listen to this a lot and wanted to express my appreciation for this evocative NYCity music that you've posted.Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAaah, another E-Z listening artist I hope will join your re-up and encoding queue.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to appreciate his earlier popular works, including what he arranged for the "Cresta Blanca Carnival" radio show.
Thanks.
I downloaded this from you once upon a time, but that was a few computers ago and I no longer have it--and the link seems to be dead as a doornail. If you can re-up it I'd love it. If you can't, that's okay, I love your blog no matter what.
ReplyDeleteTim - I will provide a new link assuming I can find the files.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow, that was quick! Thanks so much, seriously.
DeleteThanks a lot for that repost Buster.
ReplyDeleteMorton Gould is a fantastic, multi-faceted and so talented musician !
Thank you for the share .
ReplyDeleteThank you Buster. I must have missed this the first time around. I love the sound of your remastered techniques. Beautiful music.
ReplyDeleteYour pal,
Doug
Thanks, Doug - very kind of you. This record is a big favorite of mine.
DeleteThis is so lovely! Thank you - Edwin
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Edwin!
DeleteThank you for the re-up and for all the previous work.
ReplyDelete