Program

George Gershwin, Cuban Overture

Samuel Barber, Adagio for Strings

Aaron Copland, Old American Songs

Set 1, I. The Boatman's Dance (minstrel song from 1843)

Set 1, II. The Dodger (campaign song)

Set 1, III. Long Time Ago (ballad)

Set 1, IV. Simple Gifts (Shaker song)

Set 1, V. I Bought Me a Cat (children's song, Roud Folk Song Index No. 544)

John Adams, Short Ride in a Fast Machine

George Gershwin, Porgy and Bess

"Summertime"

"Bess, You is my woman now"

George Gershwin, An American in Paris

Jerome Kern, Show Boat

John Philip Sousa, "Liberty Bell"

Sir Simon Rattle conducts an all-American program – With Thomas Quasthoff and Pauline Malefane

2008 New Year's Eve Concert

Subscribers

Cast

Thomas Quasthoff  — Bass-baritone

Pauline Malefane  — Soprano

Berliner Philharmoniker

Sir Simon Rattle  — Conductor

Program notes

Under Sir Simon Rattle’s baton, the Berliner Philharmoniker gives a New Year’s Concert honoring American composers. From Gershwin to Copland, from Adams to Barber, the maestro effortlessly spans the varying styles of these great classics of the repertoire. Thomas Quasthoff and Pauline Malefane lend their radiant voices to the exciting evening.

A closer look: featured composers

Further listening: featured works

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