Porgy and Bess (Glyndebourne album)

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Porgy and Bess
Porgy and Bess cover
Studio album by various
Released 1989
Recorded February 1988
Genre Opera
Length 189:00
Label EMI Classics
Producer(s) David R. Murray
various chronology

Porgy and Bess


Porgy and Bess is a recording of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera version of the George Gershwin opera of the same name. The cast were accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Simon Rattle. The recording took place in February 1988 in No.1 Studio of Abbey Road in London. It was released in 1989.

The 1993 TV adaptation (IMDb link) of Porgy and Bess used this recording as its soundtrack, and featured most of the original cast. Bruce Hubbard, who had died in 1991, did not appear, although his singing voice was heard as Jake, while Gordon Hawkins played the role onscreen. Likewise, soprano Harolyn Blackwell's voice was heard as Clara, although Paula Ingram played the role.

This version, along with the 1976 Houston Grand Opera recording, comes closest to the original opera conceived of by Gershwin, before the cuts made prior to the Broadway premiere.

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Originally released as EMI #7-49568-2, it was reissued as EMI #7243-5-56220-2-0 in 1997. A one CD highlights version is available as EMI #0777-7-54325-2-7.

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The World of Porgy and Bess

Book and play - Opera
Creators: George Gershwin - Ira Gershwin - DuBose Heyward - Dorothy Heyward
Media: Discography - Film adaptation
Songs and adaptations: "Summertime" - "Catfish Row"