Rhapsody in Blue is a 1924 musical composition written by George Gershwin for solo piano and jazz band, which
combines elements of classical music with jazz-influenced effects
. … The rhapsody is one of Gershwin’s most recognizable creations and a key composition that defined the Jazz Age.
Why is it called Rhapsody blue?
The name of the piece, too, was originally An American Rhapsody; Rhapsody in Blue was
suggested by George’s brother, Ira
, who as George’s lyricist always had a way of finding words that went with his brother’s music.
What mood is Rhapsody in Blue?
So Gershwin created a patchwork of
exciting jazz-influenced melodies
and moods for his rhapsody. From the soaring opening notes on the clarinet, to the razzle-dazzle of the brass, this is music full of excitement, swagger, and Gershwin’s love for his home.
What was Rhapsody in Blue used in?
The piece is used by United Airlines in their advertisements, in pre-flight safety videos, and in the Terminal 1 underground walkway at O’Hare International Airport. Rhapsody in Blue was used extensively throughout the 2013
film The Great Gatsby
.
Why is Rhapsody in Blue so popular?
The rhapsody is one of Gershwin’s most recognizable creations and
a key composition that defined the Jazz Age
. Gershwin’s piece inaugurated a new era in America’s musical history, established Gershwin’s reputation as an eminent composer, and eventually became one of the most popular of all concert works.
How long does Rhapsody in Blue last?
It can be a
five-minute piece or a twelve-minute piece
. And in fact, all these things are being done to it every day.
How accurate is the movie Rhapsody in Blue?
DVD Review – ‘Rhapsody In Blue’ – A Gershwin Biopic That ‘Ain’t Necessarily So’ True Rhapsody in Blue, a 1945 film version of the life of George Gershwin, is out for the first time on DVD. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says it’s a
fascinating mixture of real facts, pure invention and memorable musical moments
.
Who premiered Rhapsody in Blue?
Ouch. But while Gilman may not have overly enjoyed hearing the 25-year-old composer and
pianist George Gershwin
give the premiere of Rhapsody in Blue with Paul Whiteman’s Palais Royal Orchestra, the audience most certainly did.
Why did George Gershwin wrote Rhapsody in Blue?
George Gershwin wrote his Rhapsody in Blue in a big hurry,
after he saw a newspaper announcement saying that he was writing a jazz concerto for a concert taking place in less than a month
! Everyone loved the piece at its first performance, and at age 25, Gershwin became a musical celebrity.
Who played the piano in Rhapsody in Blue?
Oscar Levant
had three functions in this film: he provided George Gershwin’s piano playing as Robert Alda’s double, he portrayed himself on screen and he was heard playing piano on the soundtrack as himself, Oscar Levant, in the commemorative performance of “Rhapsody in Blue” which ends the film.
How many movements are in Rhapsody in Blue?
There were
26
separate musical movements on the bill and Rhapsody was second to last. That additional time might have been useful! Gershwin began writing the score only weeks earlier on January 7.
How was Rhapsody in Blue created?
It was about
a concert of new American music to be given by Paul Whiteman
and his Palais Royal Band at Aeolian Hall on 12 February – Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. “George Gershwin is at work on a jazz concerto,” ran the article, “Irving Berlin is writing a syncopated tone poem…” It was all news to George.
How much did United Airlines pay for Rhapsody in Blue?
United first licensed “Rhapsody in Blue” in 1987, agreeing to pay an
annual fee of $300,000
to use the composition in its ads, recalls the Cambridge Music Handbook for the piece. Before that, United used a song that revolved around its slogan, “Flying the friendly skies.”
Is Rhapsody in Blue public domain?
Now in 2020, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
is in the public domain
and available for adaptation and other creative uses. Gershwin melodies can be worked into new compositions, arranged for new instrumental (and vocal!)
Does Alan Alda play the piano?
Alda’s own introduction to music and, in fact, to the piano, was through Gershwin whom he encountered as a young child. …
He didn’t know how to play the piano
but he had to train for weeks to be able to get the precise fingering of all the pieces that he would play in the movie.
Who was George Gershwin’s wife?
Ira Gershwin
, Pulitzer-prize-winning lyricist and supplier of words to some of the most iconic songs in American musical history, may often be referred to as “the other Gershwin”, overshadowed by the popularity of his younger brother George.
