Nice story about Ravel and Gershwin, Don. Interestingly, you can hear a bit or Gershwin influence in Ravel's Concerto in G (circa 1930).
"Love Walked In", "But Not For Me", "Our Love is Here to Stay" some of the greatest melodies ever written, IMO.

Al, if you find "serious" music without soul take a listen to Puccini's "Vissi D'arte" or "O Mio Babbino Caro" or maybe Schubert's "Ave Maria" and you might change your mind. Not everybody's cup of tea though, I guess.vl