The greatest American composer Gershwin George, whose biography is full of unprecedented ups and sudden turns, embodies the American dream with his life . He achieved everything himself, finding his way, reaching incredible heights and world fame.
Family and childhood
September 26, 1898 in a family of Russian immigrants of Jewish descent in Brooklyn a boy was born - Jacob Gershowitz. The family was not rich, in it, besides Jacob, there were three children, they lived in a small apartment in a wooden house. He was an unbearable kid, constantly mischievous, and did not study well at school. At first, his mother hoped that he could become a teacher, but later enrolled him in a school of commerce, although George did not work out there either.
Gaining music
From childhood, the boy was fascinated by music. Even skating, he could freeze in place, hearing a beautiful melody. Jazz attracted him the most, but he also liked the classics. Once at school Max Rosenzweig performed: he played the violin “Humorescu” by A. Dvořák. Music conquered the future composer. He waited a long time for the violinist after the concert, and without waiting, he went to his house. Later they became friends, and it was Max who opened George the world of music. At Rosenzweig in the house he listened to music and learned by ear to play the piano.
Parents were very happy to learn that their son had a strong interest in life and obvious abilities. They enrolled him in a music school, but George categorically did not like systematic classes, solfeggio and scales. He never received a musical education. But nevertheless, a new original musician appeared in the world - George Gershwin, whose biography was now inextricably linked with creativity. Only Charles Hambitzer managed to find a common language with the young man. He gave him piano lessons, recommended specialists in harmony and orchestration.
Stages of a musical career
By the age of 17, Gershwin mastered the basics of musical literacy, learned to play the piano decently and began to compose his own works. He rather diligently studied classical works, but he was attracted to popular music.
Since 1915, he begins to earn money with creativity: he plays in restaurants, accompanies and gradually writes his own music, mostly these are small compositions and songs.
Later he becomes the author of music for musicals, in this he reaches real heights. The dawn of his work coincided with the growing popularity of jazz, and Gershwin’s influence in this direction was very great. He creates a large number of compositions that require the artist to improvise.
A new creative stage was the collaboration with his brother, who worked under the pseudonym Arthur Francis, and wrote the libretto. For 10 years, this creative union has issued more than 20 musicals for Broadway and Hollywood.
Broadway Lights
In 1918, Gershwin became a professional composer. He no longer needs to give lessons and earn extra money in orchestras. Now he writes music for Broadway musicals. He wrote 10 musicals a year, and some tunes gained popularity, for example, Swanee.
In 1922, a real hit appeared on Broadway: the Blue Monday opera, which was created by George Gershwin. The biography of the musician makes a leap - he is invited to work in the Paul Whiteman Jazz Orchestra. It is in this collaboration that George Gershwin flourishes, his rhapsody - Rhapsody in Blue becomes the famous work of this period.
In 1924, the work of George Gershwin reaches maturity. He writes the musical Lady, Be Good, which is gaining real fame. The composition The Man I love is considered the best love ballad of the XX century.
The music of George Gershwin incorporated the themes of symphonic classics, modern Negro music, folklore motifs. The composer's style is distinguished by an original melody, sharp rhythms, expression.
In total, Gershwin wrote more than 30 musicals, the most famous of which are: Oh, Kay! (1926), Funny Face (1927), Strike Up The Band (1927/30), Of Thee I Sing (1931). The Of Thee I Sing (1931) was very popular, for this work Gershwin and colleagues received the Pulitzer Prize. This was the first ever musical performance award.
Opera "Porgy and Bess": the pinnacle of creativity
Gershwin's most famous and significant work is the opera Porgy and Bess. The famous work was written in 1935 based on the play by D. Hayward about the Negro Romeo and Juliet. The text really impressed the musician, and he decided, with the consent of the author, to put it on music. The idea came back in 1926, but George started directly to work in 1933. He talks with the writer, visits the scene, listens to a lot of folk music. The composer worked on the opera for 20 months, the work was intense, Gershwin even left New York and lived for almost a year in a small fishing village in South Carolina.
The work was worth it: Gershwin was able to compose a real masterpiece. The work showed the world Gershwin innovator. He originally weaves folklore motifs with jazz improvisations and symphonic melodies. The premiere took place in 1935 and was a stunning success, but the true glory to the work came after the death of the author. The opera has survived hundreds of productions and entered the golden fund of world music.
The personal life of a genius
The embodiment of the concept of a bohemian lifestyle was George Gershwin, whose biography is full of meetings with women and freedom. He was a real Casanova. His novels with the most beautiful women cannot be counted.
Reckless life and hard work on the opera broke the composer's health. He died of a brain tumor in 1937 at the age of 39.
Gershwin’s legacy cannot be overestimated, he became a classic of the 20th century, his music continues to sound, records are released. The greatest performers consider it an honor to perform the composer's works.