Jan. 16 (Bloomberg) -- “The Physician” epitomizes Cole Porter’s genius for unlikely rhymes and dirty thoughts. This rare gem, gamely sung Wednesday night by Tony winner Victoria Clark, was an early highlight of the opening concert of Lincoln Center’s 11th “American Songbook” series in New York.

The wry lament, from Porter’s 1933 musical “Nymph Errant,” tells of a woman’s lust for the handsome doctor who admires her parts but not her “whole.”

Introducing the song, musical director Rob Fisher mentioned the extensive research Porter would do for his songs, in this case all but committing Gray’s Anatomy to memory in the service of lines like, “He said ‘twas just enormous / My appendix vermiformis / But he never said he loved me.”

Partnering Clark, who can range from light soprano to earthy mezzo, was David Hyde Pierce, also a Tony winner. The pairing made for some blithe Fred-and-Ginger moves and blissful comic patter around such equally blissful numbers as “It’s De- Lovely,” “Let’s Do It” and “After You, Who?” There was also a generous sprinkling of arcana, including “Ridin’ High,” and “Thank You So Much, Mrs. Lowsborough-Goodby.”

Both singers had a chance to strut some non-vocal stuff as well: Hyde Pierce is an accomplished pianist, while Clark took the trumpet parts on “What Is This Thing Called Love?” -- brassily hogging several solos -- using only her mouth, no trumpet in sight.

This was Porter without the pain, effortless and welcome.

Now happily ensconced in the Allen Room of Jazz at Lincoln Center, the two-month American Songbook series, sponsored by Pfizer Inc., covers an eclectic terrain from standards to contemporary music, with artists ranging from Paulo Szot, the heart-throbbish Emile de Becque from the current revival of “South Pacific,” to country singer Patty Loveless.

Through March 6 at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street. Information: +1-212-721-6500; http://www.lincolncenter.org.

(Jeremy Gerard is an editor for Bloomberg News. The opinions expressed are his own.)

To contact the writer of this column: Jeremy Gerard in New York at jgerard2@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: January 16, 2009 00:00 EST