Still Nothing Like a Gershwin Tune

Ira Gershwin was once asked, “Which comes first, the music or the lyrics?” And he replied, “What comes first is the contract.”

But the implication in that remark--that the financial deal was more important than the work--never seemed to impact the writing of a man who was arguably one of the finest song lyricists in a generation of superb wordsmiths.

“Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall” on PBS’ “Great Performances”--which was recorded on Gershwin’s 100th birthday last Dec. 6--is a big, lavish, entertaining display of his songs, sung and danced by a superb cast of players. It’s the best evidence one could possibly have that the elements that really came first with Gershwin were quality, craftsmanship and creativity.

The program is hosted, somewhat stiffly, by Michael York and longtime Gershwin friend Angie Dickinson. Brief segments of photographs and home movies provide some visual perspective on Gershwin, who appears to be as scholarly and self-effacing as reported in the narration.

But it is in the songs that the fullness of the Gershwin talent (and, presumably, the Gershwin persona) is revealed. These are words and music--in songs such as “Embraceable You,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Who Cares,” “Our Love Is Here to Stay,” to name only a few--that have become part of American social history, soundtracks for the lives of millions of people.

The performances are universally well-done by a lineup that includes some unusual entries. Ruth Brown’s “The Man That Got Away” brings a piquant new twist to the song, and actor Jon Lovitz is delightful with “Just Another Rhumba.” It’s fascinating to hear Burton Lane accompany Michael Feinstein in “It Happens Ev’ry Time,” a tune Lane wrote with Gershwin in 1953, and Dawn Upshaw is the proper vocal choice for the soaring melody and poetic lyrics of “My Ship.”

Predictably, some of the finest moments are provided by singers who have been performing Gershwin songs for most of their careers: Vic Damone’s mellow rendering of “Embraceable You”; Maureen McGovern’s lovely “Long Ago (And Far Away)”; Rosemary Clooney applying her musky sound to “A Foggy Day” and “Our Love Is Here to Stay”; and, of course, Gershwin’s close friend and assistant Feinstein singing the little-heard “There Is No Music.”

But it is appropriate, and in characteristic Broadway style, that three of the most compelling presentations are offered by the far less known singer-dancer Karen Ziemba. Performing “Who Cares” with Ron Raines, and “My One and Only Highland Fling” and “Put Me to the Test” with Scott Wise, Ziemba brings a quality of musical exuberance to her performances that brilliantly communicates the essence of Gershwin’s songs. One suspects that her work--as much as any in this attractive program--would have generated a small, shy, approving smile from the honoree.

* “Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall” airs on KCET tonight at 9.