The Jewish Music in George Gershwin

Presented by Saul Lilienstein, Music Historian

George Gershwin’s music has always been synonymous with the sound of America, yet from the start of his career, his music was infused with Jewish culture. George didn’t have to – and didn’t – write anything for the synagogue to prove that.

In this talk, Lilienstein will connect Gershwin’s music to the Jewish sources that were intrinsic to his creativity. We will listen to examples of the music from NY’s Lower East Side (where Gershwin was born) fusing with the music of Harlem (where he spent his teenage years) and discover the unique synthesis Gershwin created from these varied influences.