Preludes (I-III) By George Gershwin, Piano

Gershwin's three most famous preludes demonstrate his genius for piano writing. "Prelude I" exudes energetic syncopation, "Prelude II" is a lyric blues, and "Prelude III" closes the set with exciting syncopations.

These three short preludes show Gershwin's mastery of the melding of jazz and classical idioms. The Allegro ben ritmato e deciso is filled with rhythmic, syncopated rhythms and is a showpiece for bravura performance. Andante con moto e poco rubato is a lyric blues with ostinato-like accompaniment, interspersed with bridge material. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso, the brilliant closing to the set, displays dramatic writing with craggy rhythms and exciting syncopation. A powerful concert work.