Rhapsody In Blue: Gershwin (2026)

: Due to time constraints—Gershwin composed the concerto in just five weeks—the orchestration was handled by Whiteman’s arranger, Ferde Grofé . Grofé created multiple versions over the years, including the original jazz band scoring (1924) and the more common full symphonic version (1942). Musical Structure and Themes

: Gershwin claimed the piece's full construction came to him during a train journey from Boston to New York, where the "steely rhythms" and "rattlety-bang" of the train inspired the work's momentum. Rhapsody In Blue: Gershwin

'Rhapsody in Blue,' Gershwin's musical melting pot, at 100 : NPR : Due to time constraints—Gershwin composed the concerto

Gershwin was initially reluctant to take on the challenge, reportedly only starting work after reading a news report that Whiteman was already planning the performance. 'Rhapsody in Blue,' Gershwin's musical melting pot, at

: Representing the mechanical, rhythmic pulse of 1920s urban life. Stride : A nod to the Harlem stride piano style. Shuffle : A jazz-inflected rhythmic section.