This is part of my series of opera and cocktail pairings to share the experience of fantastic music enjoyed with a cocktail recipe by yours truly. Please read the intro and premise of the project here!
Opera Selection
Aria: Bess You Is My Woman
Opera: Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin
First, a note: This is an opera about a Black community not written by Black composers and lyricists, although it represents a manifestation of the melting pot of American art and was a breakthrough in the 1930s. It was written by two sons of Russian Jewish immigrants and two white Americans. George Gershwin insisted on the absolute avoidance of blackface (a common and offensive practice in minstrelsy at the time) whatsoever in any production, which was unprecedented. This helped propel the careers of incredible artists such as Leontyne Price, who may otherwise have had fewer opportunities on prominent stages due to discrimination. To be sure, there are issues and concerns regarding cultural appropriation surrounding this opera. It is important that this continue to be a point of discussion and evolution for future productions of Porgy and Bess. However, as a work of art and opera, it is powerful and moving with a deeply personal voice that resonates with relevance to our world today.
George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess, with lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin, is set in 1920s Charleston, South Carolina in a neighborhood called Catfish Row. This is a story about the harsh realities of life, abuse and addiction, and the difficult choices one is forced to make when faced with fear and uncertainty. Most of all, it is a story of love and its power to make us greater than we could have ever imagined.
‘Bess You Is My Woman’ is a breathtakingly touching duet sung by Bess and Porgy in which two lost souls find home. In a society where a woman had few choices from which to make a life, Bess wishes to leave the gambler Crown and his life of drunkenness, drugs, and violence, but she fears retribution: Crown is possessive. When Crown runs off after killing another man and leaves Bess to fend for herself, the residents of Catfish Row are wary of offering her shelter. She is an outsider and is not a ‘proper woman’ in their eyes, at first. Only Porgy, a generous-hearted man with a limp and very modest means, offers her sympathy and protection. Bess finds herself at peace with Porgy and comes to hold him dear to her heart.
After threats by Crown followed by abduction, assault, and escape, Bess reaffirms her wish to stay with Porgy and he vows to protect her. Porgy dispatches Crown in self defense when Crown breaks down Porgy’s door to claim Bess. After Porgy is taken to jail, Bess’ erstwhile drug dealer (and one assumes, a pimp) tells Bess that Porgy will never come back; she should come with him to New York. She staunchly refuses, until the dealer forces ‘magic dust’ on her and baits her with more drugs. When Porgy returns triumphantly a free man one week later, he is distraught to find Bess gone. After discovering that Bess has gone to New York, Porgy makes the decision to find her. He loves her and wishes to offer himself to Bess once again, in the hopes that she will make a life with him.
In this beautiful aria, Bess and Porgy reaffirm their commitment and devotion to one another. The sensitive and passionate melody is full of ardent hope with soaring phrases. Yet, the music is also quietly loving with hushed passages that speak to the pair’s contentment and deep happiness for a future of trust and love together.
Experience this lyrical affirmation of devotion with a cocktail that will gently warm your soul.
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Porgy and Bess Cocktail
1.5oz London Dry Gin
½ oz Crème de pêche (French peach liqueur; alternatively peach schnapps)
¼ oz Dry vermouth (e.g. Dolin Blanc)
Basil leaf or sprig, for garnish
Add ingredients (except for the basil) into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir.
Strain into a martini, coupe, or Nick and Nora glass and garnish with a basil leaf or sprig.
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A few thoughts about 'Bess You Is My Woman' and the cocktail
Gin as the backbone of this cocktail speaks to the clarity of Porgy and Bess’ shared vision. The truth in their hearts is strong. The unwavering, forthright character of the gin represents the commitment they have made to each other, and to themselves: This is where I want to be. This is where I belong.
Crème de pêche brings warmth and a touch of residual sugar for the ardent discovery and sweet beauty of Bess and Porgy’s love and devotion to one another.
The dry vermouth balances the sweetness of the peach with sharper citrus and herbal notes and a textural richness and clarity: the couple knows their life ahead will have its hardship and challenges, and yet they embark together with open eyes and open hearts.
Finally, a basil leaf represents a fresh start, renewed energy, and the prospect of the life ahead that their togetherness offers.
In this simple cocktail, I sought to express the beautiful harmony of two souls coming together with the vibrance of their shared hopes for the future.
Cocktail in hand? Have a listen!
Bess’ soprano to Porgy’s bass baritone creates incredible textures and emotions. I’ve selected videos of some of my favorite artists singing this aria. Enjoy!
Angel Blue and Eric Owens - Metropolitan Opera, dir. David Robinson - The palpable joy radiating from each of these two artists is incredibly satisfying. From the gentle patience and quiet happiness of Owens’ Porgy to the sincere yet playful excitement of Blue’s Bess, this interpretation brings beautiful bliss.
Cynthia Haymon and Willard White - 1993 film version, dir. Trevor Nunn - This is possibly the most tender expression of ‘Bess You Is My Woman’ I have ever seen or heard. Haymon’s Bess is a woman who bears wounds and fear, and White’s Porgy seems to wish with every fiber of his being to help make her whole. Haymon’s voice is sweet and lilting, a perfect contrast to the gentleness and warmth of White’s bass baritone. This is truly touching.
Leontyne Price and William Warfield - RCA Victor Orchestra dir. Skitch Henderson - Originally recorded in 1963 and remastered, this is a must-listen for Porgy and Bess. Leontyne Price is arguably one of the greatest sopranos in American history, and she and her husband William Warfield were an incredible team. Their voices are crystalline and filled with sensitivity and power, creating breathtaking moments when they linger on the high points of crucial phrases in the aria. In this interpretation, there is a wonderful sense of urgency as both Bess and Porgy seem to want to savor every moment and yet jump headlong into their new life together.
Susan R Lin - Piano excerpt - This is me, playing the first section of a piano arrangement of this aria. I hope you enjoy this instrumental version. It really is wonderful to play.
There are many other incredible examples of superlative artists creating the ineffable celebration of love that embodies ‘Bess You Is My Woman’. I have never listened to any interpretation and come away dry-eyed. This is powerful music. Find your own favorite artists and moments as you savor your cocktail.