A multimedia presentation of the seldom-performed Grand Fantasy on Porgy & Bess as part of the [perspective] concert, “Uncommon American Classics.” This performance was played on Gershwin’s own 1933 Steinway Model A piano, housed at the University of Michigan.
concerts in unexpected venues
![[two rags] Bolcom's Last Rag & The Serpent's Kiss - Melissa Coppola, piano](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WHX7ocUJNAU/hqdefault.jpg)
rags + live video feed
Video Sources:
Allegro: “A Circus Day in our Town” Prelinger Archives, San Francisco (1949)
“Here Comes the Circus” by Castle Films - Prelinger Archives, San Francisco (1942)
Romanze: “Decomposed Carnival” Unknown (1960s)
Note: This film was found in the basement of a vacating business in Rochester, New York in 2004. The decomposition of the emulsion, combined with the vivid color and movements of the carnival rides, creates a beautiful film reminiscent of the work of filmmakers Peter Delpeut and Bill Morrison.
Scherzino: “Here Comes the Circus” Castle Films - National Archives (1940s-1950s)
Intermezzo: “Coney Island” (1940)
Finale: “The Carnival” Bauhaus Pictures, Portugal (2015)
All video used in this production is public domain.
![[ two tangos ] Nazareth & Stravinsky - Melissa Coppola, piano](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1gui9XVg8AM/hqdefault.jpg)
traditional vs. contemporary tangos with live dancers
![[ inside, outside, vertical, horizontal ] The Banshee & Music of Shadows - Melissa Coppola, piano](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-bReQSi44nc/hqdefault.jpg)
stringpiano & performance art