The world’s love affair with American jazz lasted for decades, but the infatuation of classical composers would have a shorter life. However, it did produce works by Gershwin, Ravel, Milhaud, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, Copland, and Bernstein, among others. In this hour, we’ll explore why jazz was a fascinating journey for these composers—but for most, a dead-end street.
Featured Recordings
Title Catalog Number
George Gershwin (Michael Tilson Thomas) CBS Masterworks MK 39699
Gershwin: Complete Music for Piano & Orchestra Bridge 9252
Gershwin/Ravel Piano Concertos (Grimaud) Erato 0630-19571-2
The Jazz Album (Simon Rattle) EMI CDC 7479912
New World Jazz (Michael Tilson Thomas) BMG 09026-68798-2
Copland Piano Concerto Naxos 8.559297
The Jazz Album (Shostakovich) London 433 702-2
Stravinsky: The Recorded Legacy [12 discs] Sony SX22K46290