Rhapsody in Blue ~ Premiered 86 Years Ago Today (videos, classic, song)

[quiet walker]

Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin premiered in New York City on February 12, 1924. Some consider the piece Jazz, others Classical, but it is thought by most to be the finest composition in American music.

Rhapsody in Blue - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


YouTube - George Gershwin - Rhapsody In Blue (1/2)



YouTube - George Gershwin - Rhapsody In Blue (2/2)

[cap1717]

Thanks, didn't know that. . . one of my fav's in the piano solo category, at least.

[thriftylefty]

Album: Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Rhapsody in Blue Live, (Spartacus) - Reviews, Music - The Independent
I caught this version on an overnight Jazz radio program. I think it is due to be released

[RareWonder]

:::gasps aloud with smiles!::

Thank you Mr. Quiet Walker for the videos! Quite surprised for
i had never seen these and thought i had seen them all! It felt
as if being taken to a play


rare
...

[MrSykes]

Interesting little tidbit:

The opening clarinet solo was initially to be played in a glissando, where each ascending note was to be heard distinctly. Considered too difficult to pull off, it was decided that the solo would be played portamento instead, hence, the "sliding" sound that has come to characterize the opening to this legendary piece.

[MrSykes]

Originally Posted by quiet walker

YouTube - George Gershwin - Rhapsody In Blue (2/2)

The first three minutes of this section has got to be some of the most gorgeous music ever written. No wonder United Airlines used it so frequently in their commercials a few years back.

[Thomas R.]

I think it's in the period where classical was at times experimenting with folk or jazz influences. It's basically classical or symphonic.

Anyway it's one of my favorites, a great piece.

[_redbird_]

One of my all-time favorite tunes. Heard it when I was a wee little lad and never get tired of hearing this song. Thanks for posting!

[DOUBLE H]

Originally Posted by _redbird_

One of my all-time favorite tunes. Heard it when I was a wee little lad and never get tired of hearing this song. Thanks for posting!

Plus one! Same with me! My mom was /is a huge George Gershwin fan. It's a beautiful piece of music!

[BlueWillowPlate]

Thanks for sharing, QW.
American music at its finest.
That is one of those pieces where I read the title and am instantly transported to the first time I heard it. I was a little kid watching cartoons in Levittown, Long Island, when an old black and white cartoon came on, and that was the music. I can barely picture the cartoon, but of course I will never forget Rhapsody in Blue.