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