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From Porgy and Bess

Musical elements

In the summer of 1934, George Gershwin worked on the opera in Charleston, South Carolina. His inspiration drew from the James Island Gullahs who he felt had traditions that were reminiscent of Africa. This research added to the authenticity of his work.

The music itself reflects his New York jazz roots, but are portrayals of the southern black traditions. Gershwin modeled the pieces after each type of folk song that the composer knew about; jubilees, blues, praying songs, street cries, work songs, and spirituals are blended with traditional arias and recitatives. The themes themselves are not folk melodies, but draw inspiration from them in such a way that genuine folk music is recalled successfully.

The music is also makes use of many leifmotives. The most recognisable of these themes is the Porgy theme, first heard when he arrives in the goat cart. Throughout the Opera, when Porgy is being talked about, the theme is heard; as well as in the coda of "I'm on my way". Sporting Life's theme is from "It Ain't Neccessarily So" and is used to represent his loose morals and corruptive ways. Before and after "There's a boat dat's leavin' soon for New York" the theme is used to underscore Bess's recitative, as she is slowly corrupted by him and his drugs. As Bess finally decides to follow him at the end of the scene, a dazzling, overblown orchestration of the aria is heard, complete with swaggering rhythms.