Composer of the Month (February)

Our composer of the month for the month of February is George Gershwin. Gershwin was born on September 26, 1898 in Brooklyn, New York. He became interested in music at a young age after hearing his brother, Ira (whom he would collaborate with later in life) practicing the piano. At the age of 16, George went to work at a music publishing firm where he would write songs for singers, vaudeville performers, and producers. He wrote many popular works throughout his life, including Rhapsody in Blue, Porgy and Bess (an American opera), and I've Got Rhythm. He was a very influential jazz composer, as well as a prolific concert pianist. His life was tragically cut short on July 11, 1937 from a brain tumor.

Our Music Journal for this past week in class was Someone to Watch Over Me, which was composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics written by Ira Gershwin.The version that the classes listened to was performed by Ella Fitzgerald, although there are other versions, including one by Frank Sinatra.