MUSIC REVIEWS : GERSHWIN TRIBUTE A BOWL SPECTACULAR

‘S Wonderful, what the Los Angeles Philharmonic has done for George Gershwin this year, the 50th anniversary of his death here. Gershwin programs have become staples at Hollywood Bowl in recent years, but the tribute this past weekend was a genuine spectacle, with something for everyone.

Everyone, that is, who loves an old-fashioned variety show. In addition to the stolid presence of the Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, old photographs and sheet music covers were projected on screens on the wings throughout, and a tap-dancing horde of enthusiastic amateurs appeared for “I Got Rhythm.”

Despite all that, Michael Feinstein managed to give the impression of doing it all. The Gershwin scholar made a slightly giddy host, providing both printed and spoken annotations. He also sang, played piano, mugged and danced a bit.

Under the glitz, tucked into the interstices of Feinstein’s Woody-Allenesque monologue, was a surprisingly solid summation of Gershwin’s work. Feinstein has a clear voice, and an almost reverential simplicity in presenting a song. Teri Ralston, a veteran Sondheim singer, has the harder-edged delivery of the modern cabaret style. Both were amplified to a painful level, leaving accompaniments sounding remote.

The instrumental selections also offered “Rialto Ripples.” In that, and the inevitable “Rhapsody in Blue,” Feinstein was the nervous, occasionally wayward soloist.

The second half of the program repeated selections from a memorial concert at the Bowl 50 years ago. It included the most extended featured work for the orchestra, briskly led by Andrew Litton in his Bowl debut, and also gave the Master Chorale its best opportunity, a mellow, nicely balanced “A Foggy Day.”

Under the circumstances, omitting fireworks seemed amazingly restrained. The concert ended, however, with an unidentified group holding battery-powered candles in the aisles while Feinstein and Ralston led the assembled throng (15,805 strong on Friday) in a sing-along version of Gershwin’s last song, “Love Is Here to Stay.”