Review: Gershwin Rhapsody – Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Michael Feinstein

This Gershwin collaboration between Thibaudet and singer-pianist Michael Feinstein is both innovative and intriguing. Thibaudet’s previous album, which we reviewed in 2021, hinted at his affinity for jazz and film genres. Meanwhile, Feinstein’s encounter with Ira Gershwin in 1977 led to an unexpected opportunity: cataloging the legendary composer’s phonograph records. This endeavor not only granted Feinstein exclusive access to the works of both Gershwin brothers but also introduced him to influential figures within their artistic circle, including the celebrated singer Rosemary Clooney. The selections, seamlessly flowing from one to the next (‘attacca’), blend timeless favorites like ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and ‘Embraceable You’ with hidden treasures that sparked curiosity.

Rhapsody in Blue that we have here (track 1) is a condensed snippet of the original; while little can replace the clarinet’s sultry opening slide and saucy trills (especially in the Paul Whiteman Orchestra’s 1927 version), the pianists do use the instruments’ resonance to add depth to Gershwin’s quintessential jazz harmonies.

As for some of the other two-piano selections, I Got Rhythm (track 4) is polished and elegant, yet given the upbeat and infectious character of the composition, I really missed the bold, big-band sound. The performers certainly sound joyful, but a greater element of uninhibited fun would have been even more enjoyable.

Related Classical Music Reviews

• Review: Rhapsody – Martin James Bartlett, London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Review: “Summertime” – Isata Kanneh-Mason, Piano
• Review: “Roots” – Randall Goosby, Violin
• Review: Beethoven – Complete Violin Sonatas – Midori, Thibaudet

On several occasions, the performers feature a song twice but through different arrangements, primarily by the musicians themselves. Of the two offerings of Someone to Watch Over Me, I preferred Feinstein’s voice and piano version (track 3) that is sung with great sensitivity and care.

The Man I Love/Rhapsody in Blue (Track 10) owes some of its success to Theodore Firth’s arrangement. He skillfully emphasizes the lowest registers of one of the pianos, creating an expanded sonic dimension. The outcome is so rich that it almost sounds like more than two instruments are playing. The duo’s transition into the latter part of Rhapsody in Blue captures the chaotic helter-skelter of the orchestral version, but as in some of the other works, I didn’t get a resounding fullness of sound and energy. It’s evident that the pianists are putting the effort into generating a substantial presence, which makes me wonder whether the mic placement has something to do with the lack of satisfying intensity. This also emphasizes Feinstein’ rather tenuous voice in the more emotionally charged moments in the album.

There’s also one of Gershwin’s most recognizable songs, Embraceable You. In the first version (track 5), the vocal weakness I perceived earlier turns into a beautiful element of honesty and fragile yearning. This is an altogether different angle from the iconic Frank Sinatra recording, though I would not choose one over the other. The weight of Sinatra’s full-bodied voice carries a husky, comforting nostalgia. The piano arrangement on the same song is by Earl Wild (from his 7 Virtuoso Etudes), and this is a fine interpretation indeed. Thibaudet’s voice leading is beautifully done; the melodic line still retains the fluidity and tenderness of a human voice.

While the performers exhibit strong pianism and singing, infusing more vibrance throughout could have transformed this album into an utterly captivating experience. However, the interesting concept and curation are not to be written off, and it’s still worth the listen.

Gershwin Rhapsody
Jean-Yves Thibaudet – Piano
Michael Feinstein – Piano, vocals
Decca Classics, CD 4870075

Read more classical music reviews or visit The Classic Review Amazon store

Follow Us and Comment:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Linkedin