George Gershwin came from a Russian Jewish immigrant family and grew up in the Yiddish areas of New York. Starting in his teens, he started working as a song plugger in Tin Pan Alley, then moved into writing for Broadway, jazz, and opera, further classical works, and even Hollywood. By his early twenties he had become a national sensation. Tragically, his life was cut short by a brain tumor and he died at the age of 38, but he left a legacy of American composition that profoundly influenced both classical and popular music. The first two measures of Rhapsody In Blue are a perfect microcosm of the evolution between 19th century classical and 20th century contemporary music. The clarinet quavers elegantly at the bottom of the scale, before ascending up a glissando and landing with a wail on B♭, a jazzy blue note. In an instant the mood shifts from solemnity to frivolity. Rhapsody debuted in a concert in New York titled An Experiment in Modern Music, and it was just that—a bold mix of classical Western tones with jazz, ragtime, and Latino music elements. Gershwin set out to make a truly American concerto and he succeeded beyond anyones expectations. Due to its influences and use in later media, the piece has since become indelibly associated with the city of New York. Its considered one of the greatest musical works of the 20th century.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 18:00:01 +0000
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