Join us as our jazz string quartet explores the popular music of the Roaring ‘20s and ‘30s, from ragtime to jazz to the greatest hits from the silver screen. This program features gorgeous melodies and irresistible rhythms, from some of the most famous American composers of our time. Their works not only stand on their own artistic merit, but also were often featured in Hollywood’s most popular films. The King of Ragtime, Scott Joplin, wrote 44 original ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas. One of his first pieces, “Maple Leaf Rag,” became ragtime's most influential hit and the archetype for the genre. His music was featured in the Academy Award-winning 1973 movie The Sting and helped set the scene and mood for the film. George Gershwin was a prolific composer of jazz who moved to Hollywood and composed numerous film scores. His compositions have been adapted for use in many films and television, including Shall We Dance, Girl Crazy, Funny Face, An American in Paris, Delicious, as well as Woody Allen’s Manhattan. A contemporary of Gershwin, Jerome Kern wrote songs for popular shows and films, which have since become standards in their own right. “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is from the musical-turned-film, Roberta, and became an instant hit. “Once in a Blue Moon” is a beautiful ballad from the 1923 musical Stepping Stones, and “The Way You Look Tonight” is featured in the film Swing Time and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1936. So grab a gin rickey and settle in to the lively sounds of the Jazz Age!

George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Fascinating Rhythm
Someone to Watch Over Me
Embraceable You
I Got Rhythm

Duke Ellington (1899-1974) arr. William Zinn
Selections Include:
Satin Doll
Mood Indigo
Day Dream
Caravan
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

Scott Joplin (1868-1917)
Selections Include:
Maple Leaf Rag
Paragon
Pineapple Rag
New Rag
Solace

Jerome Kern (1885-1945) arr. Charles Miller
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
Once in a Blue Moon
The Way You Look Tonight

Cole Porter (1891-1964) Selections Include:
You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To
I Concentrate on You
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
I Get A Kick Out of You

Talia Pavia, Violin
Kate Carter, Violin
Lynn LaPlante Allaway, Viola
Paula Kosower, Cello