GERSHWIN: CONCERTO IN F; “RHAPSODY IN BLUE”;...

GERSHWIN: CONCERTO IN F; “RHAPSODY IN BLUE”; THREE PRELUDES. Norman Krieger, piano. Stradivari SCD--8000 (compact disc). This glossily packaged Gershwin anthology by pianist Krieger offers tight, energetic performances with lots of jazz crossover appeal. The first recording of pop pianist Grace Castagnetta’s transcription (1946) of the Concerto in F is comprehensively represented by Krieger, who glides through all of the difficult licks. Gershwin’s own, more academic transcription of “Rhapsody in Blue” proves nonetheless accessible and pleasant. A masterful, lively performance of the popular Three Preludes is also included.