George Gershwin – Rhapsody In Blue / Ein Amerikaner In Paris / Concerto In F

George Gershwin – Rhapsody In Blue / An American In Paris / Concerto In F

This programme brings together three landmark works by American composer George Gershwin, demonstrating his distinctive ability to combine the formal language of classical music with jazz, blues and the rhythms of modern urban life. Rhapsody In Blue, An American In Paris and the Concerto In F remain among Gershwin’s most celebrated compositions and helped establish a uniquely American voice within 20th-century concert music.

Rhapsody In Blue was composed in 1924 for Paul Whiteman’s celebrated concert An Experiment in Modern Music at New York’s Aeolian Hall. Originally conceived for solo piano and jazz ensemble before being orchestrated by Ferde Grofé, its famous opening clarinet glissando and blues-inflected melodies immediately blurred the boundaries between jazz and classical music. Gershwin subsequently prepared the version for piano and orchestra, which became one of his signature works.

Concerto In F followed in 1925–1926, with Gershwin writing the three-movement work himself for piano and orchestra. Unlike Rhapsody In Blue, the concerto follows a more traditional classical structure while incorporating syncopation, blues harmonies and jazz-inspired rhythms throughout. The three movements move from the energetic Allegro, through the lyrical Adagio – Andante Con Moto, to the rhythmically charged Allegro Agitato.

The final major work here, An American In Paris, was composed in 1928 following Gershwin’s visit to Paris. Its colourful orchestration evokes the atmosphere of the French capital, with Gershwin famously incorporating Parisian taxi horns into the score. The work's combination of orchestral colour, jazz rhythms and American musical language makes it a natural companion to Rhapsody In Blue and the Concerto In F.

Together, these compositions cover the crucial period 1924–1928, when Gershwin was developing the fusion of jazz and concert music that would become central to his musical identity. This is an excellent classical crossover programme for listeners interested in Gershwin, American classical music, jazz-influenced orchestral music and 20th-century piano concertos.

Tracklist

1. Rhapsody In Blue – 15:56
2. Ein Amerikaner In Paris = An American In Paris = Un Américain À Paris – 17:55

Concerto In F (For Piano And Orchestra)
3. 1. Allegro – 13:37
4. 2. Adagio – Andante Con Moto – 11:56
5. 3. Allegro Agitato – 6:31