George Gershwin's "Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" from "Porgy and Bess" for Saxophone: An In-Depth Analysis

George Gershwin A Woman Is A Sometime Thing (from “Porgy and Bess”) for saxophone quartet: arranged by Giovanni Abbiati

by Giovanni Abbiati

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1603 KB

FREE

George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" is a groundbreaking opera that premiered in 1935. The opera, set in the slums of Catfish Row in Charleston, South Carolina, tells the story of the love between Porgy, a crippled beggar, and Bess, a young woman of questionable morals.

One of the most famous songs from "Porgy and Bess" is "Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man." This song is a beautiful and complex ballad that explores the nature of love and relationships.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at "Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man." We will examine the song's musical structure, harmonic complexity, and emotional depth. We will also discuss the song's historical context and its significance in the development of American music.

Musical Structure

"Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" is a 32-bar song that is divided into two sections. The first section (bars 1-16) is in the key of B-flat major and features a simple, yet effective, melody. The second section (bars 17-32) is in the key of E-flat major and features a more complex and developed melody.

The song's form can be described as ABA. The A section (bars 1-16) presents the main melody. The B section (bars 17-32) provides a contrasting melody. The A section (bars 33-48) returns to the main melody.

Harmonic Complexity

One of the things that makes "Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" such a special song is its harmonic complexity. The song uses a variety of chords, including major 7th chords, minor 7th chords, and diminished chords. This harmonic complexity gives the song a rich and sophisticated sound.

For example, the first chord of the song is a B-flat major 7th chord. This chord is followed by a D-flat major 7th chord, a C major 7th chord, and a G minor 7th chord. This sequence of chords creates a sense of movement and tension.

The harmonic complexity of "Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" is not just limited to the chords. The song also uses a variety of melodic and rhythmic devices to create interest. For example, the melody of the song is constantly changing, and the rhythm of the song is often syncopated. This combination of harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic complexity gives the song a unique and unforgettable sound.

Emotional Depth

"Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" is not just a technically impressive song. It is also a song of great emotional depth. The lyrics of the song explore the nature of love and relationships. The song's protagonist is a man who is trying to understand the complex and often contradictory nature of women.

The song's first verse begins with the line "Woman is sometimes Than a man." This line suggests that women are often more complex and difficult to understand than men. The verse goes on to describe the many different ways that women can be both loving and hateful, both kind and cruel.

The song's second verse begins with the line "Woman is sometimes Than a man." This line suggests that women are often more powerful than men. The verse goes on to describe the many ways that women can use their power to both help and harm others.

The song's third verse begins with the line "Woman is sometimes Than a man." This line suggests that women are often more resilient than men. The verse goes on to describe the many ways that women can overcome adversity and achieve success.

The song's final verse begins with the line "Woman is sometimes Than a man." This line suggests that women are often more than just the sum of their parts. The verse goes on to describe the many ways that women can be both beautiful and ugly, both good and bad.

The song's lyrics are full of insight and wisdom. They explore the complex and often contradictory nature of women. The song's music is beautiful and complex. It perfectly complements the lyrics and creates a song that is both moving and memorable.

Historical Context

"Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" was written in 1934, during the Great Depression. This was a time of great economic and social upheaval. The song's lyrics reflect the mood of the times. They express a sense of frustration and disillusionment, but they also offer a message of hope.

The song was also written during a time of great change in American music. Jazz was beginning to emerge as a popular music form, and Gershwin was one of the pioneers of this new style. "Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" is a jazz-influenced song that combines elements of both classical and popular music.

The song was a hit when it was first released, and it has remained popular ever since. It has been recorded by a wide variety of artists, including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. The song has also been used in a number of films and television shows.

Significance

"Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" is a landmark song in American music. It is a beautiful and complex song that explores the nature of love and relationships. The song is also a reflection of its time and place. It expresses the mood of the Great Depression and the changes that were taking place in American music.

"Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" is a song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that is still relevant today, and it continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

"Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" is a masterpiece of American music. It is a song that is both beautiful and complex, and it explores the nature of love and relationships with great insight and wisdom. The song is also a reflection of its time and place, and it expresses the mood of the Great Depression and the changes that were taking place in American music.

"Woman Is Sometimes Than a Man" is a song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that is still relevant today, and it continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

George Gershwin A Woman Is A Sometime Thing (from “Porgy and Bess”) for saxophone quartet: arranged by Giovanni Abbiati

by Giovanni Abbiati

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1603 KB

FREE