Porgy and Bess

[Belasco07]

Posted: 3/9/04 at 5:33pm

I'm looking to finally expose myself to this show...What's the best possible recording I can buy?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/9/04 at 5:44pm

How about watching a production? There is a DVD out of the British production directed by Trevor Nunn.

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 3/9/04 at 5:56pm

Yikes! This is a tough one as there a jillions of recordings of Porgy & Bess out there. If fact, I believe our own Broadway Bulldog claims that no other Broadway score has been recorded so many times. I have two "selections from" recordings: one with Leontyne Price & William Warfield and one with Ella Fitgerald & Louis Armstrong. They are both good introductions to some of the better-known songs, but neither is a complete rendering of the score.

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 3/10/04 at 10:46am

Bulldog?

[MusicMan]

Posted: 3/10/04 at 11:22am

I think Bulldog would agree that the Houston Grand Opera Version with Clamma Dale is the best of all. The tempos on the CD and DVD versions conducted by Simon Rattle are taken at breakneck speed and are simply too damn fast.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/10/04 at 3:49pm

MusicMan and I are in agreement. The Houston Grand Opera recording is the ONE to have. It was a fantastic production. If you're going to listen or own any one recording of PORGY, make it this one.

The Ella and Louis recording is a favorite of mine, too, but as Chris says it's not the show. It is however two extraordinary artists interpreting the genius of the Gershwin's.

Jose' aka Broadway Bulldog.