Accompanied by the Arthur Rubinstein School of Music Symphony Orchestra, the Polish pianist Maja Babyszka performs George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a work for solo piano and jazz band, which combines elements of classical music with jazz-influenced effects. Conductor: Henryk Wierzchoń. Composed in 1924, the work was premiered in an afternoon concert on Tuesday, February 12, 1924, held by Paul Whiteman and his band Palais Royal Orchestra, entitled An Experiment in Modern Music, which took place in Aeolian Hall in New York City.

This performance is recorded during the 3rd Polish Nationwide Music Schools’ Symphonic Orchestras Competition at the Pomeranian Philharmonic Concert Hall in Bydgoszcz on June 21, 2015. Published by the Akademia Filmu i Telewizji channel.

Accompanied by the Arthur Rubinstein School of Music Symphony Orchestra, the Polish pianist Maja Babyszka performs George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue

Maja Babyszka

Maja Babyszka
Maja Babyszka

Maja Babyszka is a Polish pianist and singer. She is one of the graduates of the Talent Class of the Arthur Rubinstein School of Music in Bydgoszcz, Poland. She is a laureate of many piano competitions in Poland and abroad:

  • Golden Parnas International Piano Forum ‘BUNCHES WITHOUT LIMIT’ Sanok 2017
  • Paris 2016 – 1st place International competition for them. R. A. Scriabin
  • Milan 2015 – 1st place International competition for them. A. Bertolini
  • Sofia 2014 – 3rd place International contest “Young Virtuosos”
  • Koszalin 2013 – 1st place National Piano Competition

American bandleader, composer, orchestral director, and violinist Paul Whiteman (March 28, 1890 – December 29, 1967) asked Gershwin to write a “jazz concerto”, which became the Rhapsody in Blue. Like a classical concerto, the piece is written for solo piano with orchestra: a rhapsody differs from a concerto in that it features one extended movement instead of separate movements.

Rhapsodies often incorporate passages of an improvisatory nature (although written out in a score), and are irregular in form, with heightened contrasts and emotional exuberance; Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue is typical in that it certainly has large contrasts in musical texture, style, and color. The music ranges from intensely rhythmic piano solos to slow, broad, and richly orchestrated sections.

Read more about Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

M. Özgür Nevres

Published by M. Özgür Nevres

I am Özgür Nevres, a software engineer, a former road racing cyclist, and also an amateur musician. I opened andantemoderato.com to share my favorite music. I also take care of stray cats & dogs. This website's all income goes directly to our furry friends. Please consider supporting me on Patreon, so I can help more animals!

Join the Conversation

3 Comments

  1. Dear Henryk, From The USA; Many of us in America consider you Sir Conductor, and the School of Music Symphony Orchestra in Bydgoszcz Poland, to be performing at a high level. In fact, performing closer to the art of music than most orchestras today.
    Here is a modern day waltz, “Varita” a proof that though the greats are eternal. Music is still evolving. https://dresserdown.com/ Paul Dresser

  2. I want to get a CD of Ms. Babyszka playing the Rhapsody in Blue — solo –no orchestra. How do I do this?

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.