: 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
'Rhapsody in Blue,' Gershwin's musical melting pot, at 100 : NPR Rhapsody In Blue: Gershwin
: The iconic opening clarinet wail was not originally in the score. During rehearsals, clarinetist Ross Gorman played the opening scale with a humorous, sliding glissando. Gershwin loved it so much he asked Gorman to keep it as a permanent "ice-breaker" for the piece. : Due to time constraints—Gershwin composed the concerto
The work is characterized by five primary musical themes that repeat and expand in a call-and-response style: : The main opening theme. Gershwin was initially reluctant to take on the
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.
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue stands as a monumental achievement in American music, famously bridging the gap between classical symphonic structure and the raw, rhythmic energy of jazz. Premiered on , at New York's Aeolian Hall, the piece was commissioned by bandleader Paul Whiteman for a concert titled "An Experiment in Modern Music". Composition and Creation