George Gershwin -- Transcriptions for Piano

18 Song Hits Arranged by the Composer

By George Gershwin

I am ver happy with the item. Good quality of printing.

This publication amply fulfills my immediate objective, namely to have a copy for performance of Gershwin's own solo piano arrangements of his best-known songs. The Gershwin work list in New Grove includes "George Gershwin's Song-Book", described as "18 arrs. of refrains from Gershwin's songs" with...

a publication date of 1932. The musicologist in me wishes that Maurice Hinson had used this as his primary source rather than the undated "Gershwin at the Keyboard" (New World Music Corp., New York). If there are text discrepancies, they should probably be resolved in favor of the edition that appeared during the composer's lifetime, presumably under his supervision. Apart from that, Hinson's editorial procedure and his historical and interpretive notes appear to be exemplary.

This is a great collection of some of George Gershwin's solo piano works. The first few pages give a mini-biography of Gershwin, and several general hints on how to play his music. Editor Maurice Hinson also includes a mini-history of each selection, and specific notations on playing...

certain measures, notes, chords, etc. Being an intermediate pianist, I appreciate the fingering suggestions contained therein as well. I am very happy with this purchase!

These pieces are really full and are not cheesy simplified versions. They're a little difficult due to Gershwin's love of jazzy timing and change of key within the measure. But they are well worth the work.

If you are looking for Gershwin arrangements that include introductory verse (as in the great recording that Morris/Bolcom did for Nonesuch years ago), this does not have them.