A CAPACITY audience at the Parkhouse Centre, Bude, was treated to an upbeat programme of works by George Gershwin recently, performed by Bude Choral Society.

Gershwin was one of the most sought after American musicians of the early 20th century. A composer of jazz, opera and popular songs for stage and screen, many of his works are now standards, collaborating on many songs with his lyricist brother, Ira. He died tragically young, aged 38.

Margaret Hobbs brought his story to life, linking the numbers, delivering his biography with clear diction and humorous anecdotes.

The programme was full of memorable numbers, all arranged for a four-part choir. The first half took in songs from his early career — Fascinating Rhythm, Swanee, Lady be Good and The Man I Love — all sung with cheerful enthusiasm.

It was the piano playing by Nicholas Danks that brought particular thunderous applause.

Nicholas now lives in North Cornwall, where he teaches and directs two choirs, whilst also teaching at Corpus Christi College in Cambridge. He was formerly musical director at St Martin’s-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, for several years, recording for many BBC broadcasts.

The second, distinctly lazy-jazzy, and third, the Spanish, Preludes, were followed by the wonderful American in Paris, a descriptive tone poem portraying a visitor taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The colourful score was taken as a brisk pace and captured the electric pulse of the piece.

The second half began with the first Prelude, with syncopated ‘baiao’ rhythms and flattened seventh chords. Virtuoso techniques — repeated notes, octaves, scales and crossed hands — were accomplished with aplomb.

After Someone to Watch Over Me, the choir gave a spirited performance of a selection from Porgy and Bess, Gershwin’s 1934 opera. This is full of classic songs, and the audience was treated to numbers including Summertime and It Ain’t Necessarily So.

The vocal highlights were the splendidly robust signing of I got Plenty o’ Nuttin by the men, the secure line held by the altos throughout and the dazzling top B from the sopranos at the end of Oh Lawd, I’m on my Way.

John Hobbs conducted with his usual panache and precision and refreshments were provided for a very appreciative audience.