A Century of Gershwin: From New York Streets to Global Stages
From Broadway stages to silver screens, George Gershwin’s music has woven its way into the fabric of American culture.
Composing during a vibrant era, Gershwin seamlessly bridged the worlds of classical music and jazz, creating timeless pieces that continue to resonate with audiences a century later. ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘The Man I Love’, ‘Take It’, ‘But Not For Me’ and ‘They Can’t Take That From Me’ are just a taste of the gems that birthed from his creative genius, later immortalized by icons like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Liza Minnelli.
His genius extended beyond catchy melodies. Gershwin’s operas like the groundbreaking "Porgy and Bess" transcended genre boundaries, telling a story of love and resilience on stage. The fame of songs like "My Man’s Gone Now", "Bess You Is My Woman Now", and "Summertime," make it a classic of both opera houses and pop music rehearsal rooms.
His instrumental suite "An American in Paris," premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1928, captivated audiences with its vibrant jazz-infused orchestral textures. This masterpiece eventually inspired a legendary film starring Gene Kelly, and recently found new life on Broadway in a successful theatrical adaptation starring Robert Fairchild.
Fairchild’s performances, however, are not limited to the stage. He is now starring in "Gershwin: Life in Blue," a theatrical tribute to Gershwin, conceived and directed by Alondra de la Parra. Premiering in Mexico, this ambitious project coincides with the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s iconic " Rhapsody in Blue."
Combining orchestral performances, dance, and multimedia projections, "Gershwin: Life in Blue" promises a unique and engaging experience. Joining Fairchild will be pianist Thomas Enhco and renowned French singer Neima Naouri, creating a multi-sensory journey through Gershwin’s legacy.
Gershwin’s influence on New York City, a metropolis synonymous with innovation and artistic expression, is undeniable. Even today, films like Woody Allen’s "Manhattan" underscore the inextricable link between Gershwin’s music and the city’s vibrant energy.
Modern musical theater also draws upon Gershwin’s repertoire, with productions like "Crazy For You" and "Good Job If You Get It" reimagining his compositions in fresh and invigorating contexts.
These tributes underscore the enduring power of Gershwin’s music. As "Gershwin: Life in Blue" prepares to enchant audiences, his legacy continues to inspire and delight. From Broadway stages to concert halls worldwide, Gershwin’s music continues to paint a canvas of timeless melodies and emotions, bridging generations and captivating hearts.
2024-11-29 18:00:00
#Gershwin #York #years #Broadway #blue
Let’s dissect this classic philosophical dilemma.
The trolley problem is designed to make us think critically about ethical decision-making,particularly in situations where ther are no good outcomes,only less bad ones.
**Here’s a breakdown:**
* **The Scenario:** A runaway trolley is hurtling down the tracks. Ahead, five people are tied up and unable to move. you are standing next to a lever. If you pull this lever, the trolley will switch to a different set of tracks. However, on that track is one person tied up.
* **The Dilemma:** Do you do nothing (and five people die) or pull the lever (killing one person to save five)?
**The Ethical Arguments:**
There are many different ethical perspectives on this dilemma. Here are a few:
* **Utilitarianism:** This approach focuses on maximizing happiness (or minimizing suffering) for the greatest number of people. A utilitarian would likely argue that pulling the lever is the ethical choice because it saves more lives.
* **Deontology:** This perspective emphasizes moral duty and rules. A deontologist might argue that it is always wrong to intentionally kill someone,even if it saves others. They might believe that pulling the lever makes you an active participant in someone’s death, while doing nothing makes you a passive observer.
* **Virtue Ethics:** This approach focuses on developing good character traits, like compassion and empathy. A virtue ethicist might consider the emotional impact on both the person pulling the lever and the families of those involved.
* **Other Considerations:**
* **Intention:** Does the intention behind the act matter? Is it different if you accidentally cause the death of one person while trying to save five, compared to intentionally choosing to kill one?
* **Personal obligation:** Does pulling the lever make you more responsible for the death of the one person than if you did nothing, and the five people died?
* **The Trolley Experiments:** There are variations on the trolley problem, like the “fat man” scenario where you have to push a large person onto the tracks to stop the trolley, raising further ethical questions about using another person as a means to an end.
**There’s No Easy Answer:**
The trolley problem is designed to be challenging. There’s no universally agreed-upon “right” answer. It forces us to confront complex ethical dilemmas and consider our own values and beliefs.
**What do YOU think? what would YOU do in this situation and why?**
