Gershwin, George: Lullaby

A work different from 'Rhapsody in Blue', the 'Piano Concerto in F' or other concert works, yet a 'charming' piece, admitted Ira Gershwin, the brother and text writer of George Gershwin (1898–1937). In fact, the string quartet setting 'Lullaby' is an exceptional work: apart from 'Short Story' for violin and piano the only original chamber music work by the composer, not including the works for piano only. Gershwin made a name for himself with musicals, the jazz opera 'Porgy and Bess', songs, orchestral pieces like 'An American in Paris' or 'Rhapsody'; but in 1919/1920 he had time for this little occasional work which was premiered several times in a private setting and the theme of which he used in his stage work 'Blue Monday' in 1922. It was only many years later, on 29 October 1967, that it was publicly performed at a concert for the first time. It is a charming miniature, with delightful sound effects and powerful accents – a valuable addition to the quartet repertoire.