Rhapsody in Blue, uncut?

Cafe Society
1

OK, I’m a big fan of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, particularly the orchestral version. The catch is that I can’t stand cuts in it. While I understand that they may sometimes be artistically justified, I personally hate them. I even like the goofy E-flat-and-bass-clarinet duet in the middle. Whenever a cut happens, it’s jarring to me, because I know there was supposed to be something else there.

I used to have a recording I quite liked, but I lost it and I can’t remember the artist’s name. I have one by Andre Previn, but he cuts a couple of sections.

I read this thread, but it only discusses the overall quality of the performances, and doesn’t mention whether cuts are made.

So, can anyone recommend a good recording of the uncut orchestral version of Rhapsody in Blue? I don’t much care what else is on the disc…

2

My absolute favorite (and I own at least ten different recordings of the Rhapsody) is Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic from the piano, CBS Records MYK 37242. This disk includes American in Paris.

You didn’t ask, but my favorite recording of the Concerto in F is Mitch Miller (yes, the sing-along-with guy) conducting the London Symphony with David Golub on piano. They do the Rhpasody, too, and it’s pretty good, but I still like Bernstein’s better. Unfortunately, this recording is out of print.

3

My favorite has Bernstein conducting as well, but with the Los Angeles Philharmonic here. Good collection overall.