Porgy and BessÂ (Medley) [Alf:00-CB9802C]

The music from the timeless masterwork Porgy and BessÂhas fascinated generation after generation. Oddly enough, at its premiere the critics presented mixed reaction: some calling it the pioneering work of a new folk-opera genre, and others condemning it as merely a succession of hit songs. Fortunately, time has secured its place in history. James Barnes has skillfully crafted a wonderful scoring of "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'," "It Ain't Necessarily So," "Summertime," "Crab Man," and "Bess, You Is My Woman Now." This is Gershwin at his best! (8:30)