We recommend the Web resources below for those interested in the subject of this program. All links are valid as of November 20, 1998.
Classical Net - Porgy and Bess
www.classical.net/music/comp.lst/works/gershwin/porgy&bess.html
Classical Net's essay on America's first and foremost opera provides a basic overview of the Porgy story, from DuBose Heyward's controversial novel to the Gershwins' even more controversial opera, the exact genre of which continues to be debated to this day.
Porgy and Bess -- American Treasures of the Library of Congress
http://lcweb.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/tri008.html
Donated to the Library of Congress by Rose Gershwin, George and Ira's mother, the original manuscript score-sketch of "Porgy and Bess" and the full orchestral-vocal score are available here for online perusal.
Opera of America -- George Gershwin
www.best.com/~chapka/opera/gershwin/porgy/index.html
With so few to choose from, one need little wonder that "Porgy and Bess" is the centerpiece of this site, dedicated to American Opera.
The Charleston Renaissance
www.fineartstrader.com/charls.htm
This essay on 1920s Charleston credits DuBose Heyward with lifting the city from an era of benighted culturelessness and inspiring its subsequent artistic boon.
Porgy -- Hypertext Version
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/PORGY/porghome.html
Read DuBose Heyward's novel in its entirety, without leaving the comfort of your computer console.
Porgy's Charleston
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/PORGY/chas.html
Learn about the city that inspired Heyward's novel, and read how -- in this author's opinion -- the denizens of Catfish Row were gravely misrepresented by a member of the gentry.
Porgy Critique
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/PORGY/porgy.html
A well-researched if verbose essay that takes issue with Heyward's depiction of African-American life in the Charleston of the 1920s.
George Gershwin
www.gershwinfan.com/home.html
Includes dozens of photographs, a Gershwin biography, and a list of his works.
William Warfield
www.riverwalk.org/warfield.htm
A detailed biography of the legendary opera singer.
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Top Banner: Courtesy of the Vandamm Collection, Museum of the City of New York.