Weep over the lifelessness of the melody and harmony, so derivative, so stale, so inexpressive!

—Lawrence Gilman, reviewing Rhapsody in Blue for the New York Tribune, 1924

… dull, patchy, thin, vulgar, long-winded and inane”

—Herbert F. Peyser, reviewing An American in Paris for the New York Telegram, 1928

…you wonder how the composer … could stoop to such easy and such needless conquests.”

—Lawrence Gilman again, this time reviewing Porgy and Bess for the New York Herald Tribune, 1935

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References:

• “highest-earning”
• “the lifelessness”
• “dull, patchy, thin”
• “needless conquests”