Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue": Piano and Orchestra

Author: George Gershwin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-04-01
Features: "Rhapsody in Blue" was commissioned by Paul Whiteman for the "Experimental Modern Music" concert and written for Gershwin. "Rhapsody in Blue" is a concerto-like work for piano and orchestra, combining the improvisatory expression of themes with symphonic development organically. The modal and harmonic elements of African American blues music, as well as the strong syncopated rhythms and glissando effects of jazz music, give this uniquely conceived work a distinctive color. In this piece, Gershwin displays great ingenuity in arranging sections with entirely different moods, such as lyricism and drama, dance and song. The piece begins with a trill in the low register of a solo clarinet, which serves as the foundation for an ascending scale. When the scale rises to one note higher, a unrestrained main theme bursts forth. Next, the French horn and saxophone play a strongly rhythmic theme. It is very close in mood to the clarinet theme mentioned above, as if it were a variation or continuation of that theme, but more powerful and clearly featuring a dance-like style.