André Watts Plays Gershwin: “The Man I Love,” “That Certain Feeling”

On a Sunday afternoon recital at New York’s Avery Fisher Hall in 1976, the late André Watts placed the piano music of Gershwin and Schubert side by side. A reviewer at the time noted that it was the habit of both composers, when at parties, to take a seat at the piano and dazzle attendees with their most recent music.

The music of George Gershwin remained a staple of Watts’ repertoire. An album, released in 1976, features the pianist playing a solo version of Rhapsody in Blue and the three Preludes, along with a selection of Gershwin’s most popular songs.

Originally written for the 1924 musical comedy, Lady, Be Good, but ultimately cut from that show, The Man I Love appeared three years later in the Gershwin’s satire, Strike Up the Band. Watts approaches the song with a sound which is appropriately big, majestic, and soulful.

That Certain Feeling was written for the 1924 musical comedy, Tip-Toes.

Recordings

  • Gershwin: The Man I Love, That Certain Feeling, André Watts discogs

Featured Image: Cover of the original sheet music of “The Man I Love,” 1924

About Timothy Judd

A native of Upstate New York, Timothy Judd has been a member of the Richmond Symphony violin section since 2001. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music where he earned the degrees Bachelor of Music and Master of Music, studying with world renowned Ukrainian-American violinist Oleh Krysa.

The son of public school music educators, Timothy Judd began violin lessons at the age of four through Eastman’s Community Education Division. He was a student of Anastasia Jempelis, one of the earliest champions of the Suzuki method in the United States.

A passionate teacher, Mr. Judd has maintained a private violin studio in the Richmond area since 2002 and has been active coaching chamber music and numerous youth orchestra sectionals.

In his free time, Timothy Judd enjoys working out with Richmond’s popular SEAL Team Physical Training program.

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