ABSTRACT
George Gershwin often called the work a "folk opera". This style label presents problems, since "real" folk music has no known author and is usually uncomplicated music. In contrast, Porgy and Bess's score requires much expertise to perform. The opening song of Porgy and Bess, "Summertime", was given its words by Heyward. Clara's lullaby to her baby is a perfect example of a prop song; it is diegetic singing that the other residents of Catfish Row would regard as "singing" as well. The lyrical "aria" "Summertime" stands in marked contrast to "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'", Porgy's happy assessment of his life now that Bess is staying with him. This tune seems far removed from opera. Interestingly, it was one of the few numbers in Porgy and Bess in which Gershwin wrote the melody before the lyrics were written— his customary practice for musical comedies. The vocal requirements in Porgy and Bess put considerable demands on its singers.
