George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue

“Rhapsody in Blue” is a musical composition written by George Gershwin for solo piano and jazz band in 1924. The piece combines elements of classical music with jazz-influenced effects. Commissioned by bandleader Paul Whiteman, the work premiered in a concert titled “An Experiment in Modern Music” on February 12, 1924, in Aeolian Hall, New York City.

The piece is notable for its use of the clarinet as a solo instrument. The opening clarinet glissando became one of the most famous and recognizable passages in 20th-century classical music1. The piece has been used in many films and television shows and has become one of Gershwin’s most popular works.

Listen to Rhapsody in Blue

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