Search - George Gershwin, John Novacek, Charlie Chaplin :: Americana

Americana
George Gershwin, John Novacek, Charlie Chaplin
Americana
Genres: New Age, Pop, Soundtracks, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (21) - Disc #1

Just in time for the November 2000 presidential elections, violinist Leila Josefowicz delivers her platform based entirely on violin virtuosity and Americana. Josefowicz seems to excel on short showpieces, and this 21-trac...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: George Gershwin, John Novacek, Charlie Chaplin, Scott Joplin, Manuel Ponce, Henri Vieuxtemps, Spiritual Traditional, Stephen Foster, Leila Josefowicz
Title: Americana
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 2
Label: Philips
Original Release Date: 1/1/2000
Re-Release Date: 10/10/2000
Genres: New Age, Pop, Soundtracks, Classical
Styles: Vocal Pop, Opera & Classical Vocal, Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Instruments, Strings
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 028946294826

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Just in time for the November 2000 presidential elections, violinist Leila Josefowicz delivers her platform based entirely on violin virtuosity and Americana. Josefowicz seems to excel on short showpieces, and this 21-track CD is full of them--lively American-themed miniatures that don't stretch over five minutes. Accompanied by pianist John Novacek, Josefowicz is in fine form, fiddling through Gershwin's Three Preludes, Porgy and Bess Suite, and "Short Story." On Charlie Chaplin's "Smile," she gets to show off her glorious tone (obscured on most of these tunes by her energetic bow attack). And, though the "Yankee Doodle" variations by Henri Vieuxtemps may test the mettle of all but the most patriotic listener, there's no denying that Josefowicz can play these pieces with the best of them. It may be lightweight fun, but it's fun nonetheless. --Jason Verlinde

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CD Reviews

Good clean fun.
Jeffrey Lehman | Market Harborough, UK | 02/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed most of Leila Josefowicz's recordings very much, but this is my favorite. The songs are mostly in a style more or less like rag-time, and they are a lot of fun besides being impressive.
The most amazing piece on this disc is the delightful Yankee Doodle Variations by Vieuxtemps. A fun and virtuosic set of, you guessed right, variations on the song Yankee Doodle. Her perfomence on this piece in particular makes it worth the cost of the entire disc.
Ms. Josefowicz's technique is flawless and her tone is gorgeous. The accompaniment equally good, and the recording quality leaves little to be desired."
The spirit of American music
Howard Brown | Salt Lake City, UT USA | 07/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ms. Josefowicz has created an amazing recording. Her style is incredibly spirited and one can tell she is having great fun with the music. These are pieces familiar to many and yet her performance leaves one feeling they are hearing them for the first time. She is to be commended for producing and replicating the enthusiasm of the American musical tradition. The Gershwin pieces are masterpieces in their own right. I would love to see her produce a Gershwin recording. I think you will find yourself listening many times to this amaizing recording."