Composer

:

George Gershwin

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Popular

Compose Date

:

1935

Average_duration

:

3:20

"Summertime" is a popular aria from the opera "Porgy and Bess" composed by George Gershwin. The opera was written in collaboration with his brother Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward, who wrote the original novel "Porgy" on which the opera is based. The aria was first performed by Abbie Mitchell in the role of Clara on October 10, 1935, at the Alvin Theatre in New York City. "Summertime" is the opening aria of the opera and is sung by Clara to her baby. The aria is in the key of A minor and has a slow tempo. The melody is simple and memorable, with a descending chromatic line that is repeated throughout the song. The lyrics are poetic and evoke the feeling of a lazy summer day. The aria is often performed as a standalone piece and has become one of the most popular and recognizable songs in the American songbook. The opera "Porgy and Bess" is a three-act opera that tells the story of the residents of Catfish Row, a fictional African-American community in Charleston, South Carolina. The opera premiered on Broadway on October 10, 1935, and was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised the music and the performances, while others criticized the portrayal of African-American characters and the use of dialect in the libretto. Despite the mixed reviews, "Porgy and Bess" has become a beloved American classic and has been performed all over the world. The opera includes a variety of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and spirituals, and features memorable songs such as "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'" and "Bess, You Is My Woman Now." The opera also deals with themes of love, poverty, and racism, making it a powerful and relevant work of art. In conclusion, "Summertime" is a beautiful and iconic aria from the opera "Porgy and Bess" composed by George Gershwin. The aria captures the feeling of a lazy summer day and has become one of the most popular and recognizable songs in the American songbook. The opera itself is a powerful and relevant work of art that deals with themes of love, poverty, and racism.

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