Gershwin Prelude "Andante con moto" - Andrew L. Simpson Piano

Gershwin Prelude II - "Andante con moto" - George Gershwin - 1926
Andrew L. Simpson - Piano

The second Prelude, in C-sharp minor, also has the distinct flavor of jazz. The piece begins with a subdued melody winding its way above a smooth, steady bassline. The harmonies and melodies of this piece are built on thirds, emphasizing both the interval of the seventh and the major/minor duality of the blues scale. In the second section, the key, tempo, and thematic material all change; only the similarity of style binds the two sections together. The opening melody and bass return in the final section, more succinct but otherwise unchanged, and the piece ends with a slow ascent of the keyboard. Gershwin himself referred to the piece as "a sort of blues lullaby."