As I tried to think of music to share this week that evoked the spirit of summer, the eponymous Summertime by George Gershwin immediately sprang to mind.  As I looked for a recording, I found a few by violin soloists who are always serious – in both their playing and their personal demeanor – and I was reminded of Dr. Suzuki’s famous quotation, “Strings only sing the heart of the one who plays them,” and I felt determined to find a recording featuring a soloist who’s personality befits the tone of Gershwin’s composition.

The best I could come up with was a recording featuring Itzhak Perlman, who has throughout his lifetime played and spoken with a smile.  He seemed a fitting performer, even if the recording is old and the audio and video quality is subsequently low.  So, I hope you enjoy!