Accompanied by the Staatskapelle Dresden (known formally as the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden), the Chinese pianist Lang Lang performs George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a 1924 musical composition for solo piano and jazz band, which combines elements of classical music with jazz-influenced effects. Conductor: Christian Thielemann.
George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue: A Fusion of Classical and Jazz
“Rhapsody in Blue” is a 1924 musical composition by George Gershwin for solo piano and jazz band. Commissioned by bandleader Paul Whiteman, it premiered in a concert titled “An Experiment in Modern Music” on February 12, 1924, at Aeolian Hall in New York City.
Gershwin played the piano, and Whiteman’s band performed the piece, with Ferde Grofé orchestrating it multiple times, including the original 1924 scoring, a 1926 pit orchestra version, and a 1942 symphonic scoring. This composition is one of Gershwin’s most recognizable works and a key piece defining the Jazz Age. It marks a significant fusion of classical music with jazz elements, establishing Gershwin’s reputation as a leading composer and becoming one of the most popular concert works.
History and Commission
Paul Whiteman, a prominent bandleader, collaborated with Gershwin on several projects before commissioning “Rhapsody in Blue.” After a successful concert blending classical and jazz music in 1923, Whiteman sought a more ambitious composition for an all-jazz concert to be held in honor of Lincoln’s Birthday at Aeolian Hall. Initially, Gershwin declined, citing a lack of time to compose such a piece. However, a false announcement in the New York Tribune on January 4, 1924, claiming that Gershwin was working on a jazz concerto, led to a conversation with Whiteman that convinced Gershwin to proceed with the project.
Composition Process
With only five weeks before the premiere, Gershwin began composing the piece. He later recounted that the thematic seeds of “Rhapsody in Blue” came to him during a train journey to Boston. Inspired by the rhythmic sounds of the train, he envisioned the entire structure of the rhapsody. Gershwin started writing on January 7, 1924, initially titling it “American Rhapsody.” His brother, Ira Gershwin, suggested the final title after being inspired by a gallery exhibition of James McNeill Whistler’s paintings.
Gershwin finished the composition and passed it to Ferde Grofé for orchestration. Grofé completed the orchestration on February 4, just eight days before the premiere.
Premiere and Reception
“Rhapsody in Blue” premiered on a snowy afternoon on February 12, 1924, at Aeolian Hall in Manhattan. The concert, titled “An Experiment in Modern Music,” drew a diverse and excited audience, including notable figures such as Carl Van Vechten, Victor Herbert, and Walter Damrosch. The concert’s purpose was described as “purely educational,” showcasing the melodies, harmony, and rhythms of the modern age.
The audience’s reaction to the early numbers was underwhelming, but the atmosphere changed dramatically when the clarinet glissando began the rhapsody. Whiteman’s clarinetist, Ross Gorman, had created the distinctive glissando during rehearsals, adding a jazzy touch that Gershwin decided to keep. The performance, featuring Gershwin improvising his piano solo, received tumultuous applause and established the piece’s success.
Critical and Popular Response
While concert audiences responded enthusiastically, music critics had mixed reactions. Some praised Gershwin’s originality and the piece’s significance, while others criticized it for being formless and disjointed. Despite the mixed reviews, “Rhapsody in Blue” became a major success, with numerous performances and recordings following its premiere.
Orchestration and Arrangements
Ferde Grofé’s role in the success of “Rhapsody in Blue” was significant. Gershwin, lacking sufficient orchestration knowledge at the time, relied on Grofé to arrange the piece for Whiteman’s orchestra. Grofé’s orchestration took advantage of the band’s strengths and included unique instrumental requirements that contributed to the piece’s distinctive sound.
Grofé later created new orchestrations in 1926 and 1942, each time for larger orchestras. The 1942 arrangement for a full symphony orchestra became a staple of the concert repertoire until Michael Tilson Thomas recorded the original jazz band version in 1976.
Notable Recordings and Legacy
Following its premiere, Gershwin recorded several versions of “Rhapsody in Blue,” including an acoustic recording in 1924 and an electrical recording in 1927. The first complete and unabridged recording occurred in 1935 by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Over the decades, numerous artists and orchestras have recorded the piece, each adding their interpretation.
The piece’s influence extended beyond classical music, inspiring composers like John Serry Sr. and Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. It has also been featured in various media, including the opening ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics and films like Woody Allen’s “Manhattan” and Disney’s “Fantasia 2000.”
Form and Analysis
“Rhapsody in Blue” is written for solo piano and orchestra, featuring one extended movement instead of separate movements. It incorporates improvisational elements, irregular form, and emotional contrasts. The piece is characterized by its strong motivic inter-relatedness, with much of the thematic material introduced in the first 14 measures.
The harmonic structure is complex, beginning and ending in B♭ major but modulating through various keys. Gershwin frequently uses modulation by thirds, a common feature of Tin Pan Alley music. The influence of jazz is evident in the use of ragtime rhythms, blue notes, and vernacular instruments like the accordion, banjo, and saxophones.
Gershwin incorporated different piano styles into the piece, including stride piano, novelty piano, and comic piano. These styles contribute to the work’s rhythmic and melodic diversity.
Cultural Significance
“Rhapsody in Blue” has been cited as embodying the cultural zeitgeist of the Jazz Age, reflecting the vibrancy and excitement of 1920s New York City. It has left an indelible mark on American music history, influencing numerous composers and musicians. The piece’s legacy continues to be celebrated in concert halls and recordings worldwide.
“Rhapsody in Blue” is a landmark composition that bridged the gap between classical music and jazz. Its premiere marked a new era in American music, establishing George Gershwin as a significant composer. The piece’s enduring popularity and influence attest to its importance in the musical canon. From its iconic opening clarinet glissando to its rhythmic and harmonic complexity, “Rhapsody in Blue” remains a testament to Gershwin’s genius and the rich cultural heritage of the Jazz Age.
Sources
- Rhapsody in Blue on Wikipedia
- “Rhapsody in Blue: How Gershwin’s hastily composed ‘Jazz Concerto’ became his greatest masterpiece” on the Classic FM website