Metropolis (Paul Whiterman and His Concert Orchetra)

Ferde Grofé's "blue fantasia" "Metropolis" was recorded by Paul Whiteman and His Concert Orchestra 13-17 March 1928. The piece, which has no connection to the Fritz Lang film of the same name, was performed at Carnegie Hall in October 1928. I am not aware of any other recording until the 1980s. Scored for orchestra, piano, and male trio, it features Ray Bargy on piano and Bix Beiderbecke on cornet.

[@roybo1930]

This is a AWESOME and strange couple of Records! I LOVE the feel of these 4 Sides!

[@thejimdoherty]

This music was used (uncredited) in the 1929 Universal film BROADWAY for the opening and closing sequences and at one other point about 70 minutes into the film. I always liked Grofe, and found it odd that this piece faded into obscurity until its much later re-recordings by The William Breuker Kollektief (1987) and The Beau Hunks (1998). Yes, I understand, it is a musical work very much rooted in the jazz idiom of of it day,and therefore, not as "timeless" as some of Grofe's other works like THE GRAND CANYON or THE MISSISSIPPI SUITE, but it is still a very interesting piece in its own right.

[@lucymoody4927]

Loving this music

[@rafi1234321]

Very cool

[@fromthesidelines]

An alternate title Grofe considered was "Fantasie in E Flat".

[@tankerman135]

This is a 2 disc set? I bought them years ago 1-4