Rhapsody in Blue

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Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin is a renowned composition that seamlessly merges elements of classical music with jazz, creating a distinctive sound that helped shape American music in the 20th century.
Premiering on February 12, 1924, the work was played by Paul Whiteman's jazz band and Gershwin at the piano for a concert called An Experiment in Modern Music.

The composition is particularly famous for its opening clarinet glissando, a swooping run that perfectly captures the free-flowing essence of jazz.
Throughout Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin expertly combines symphonic structure with improvisational jazz motifs, making it a powerful symbol of the dynamic, ever-changing culture of 1920s New York City.

Rhapsody in Blue has since become a defining work in the concert repertoire, admired for its rhythmic energy, rich orchestration, and its vivid depiction of urban American life.
Its lasting influence and popularity continue to make it a standout piece, celebrated for bridging the boundaries between the worlds of jazz and classical music.

Anecdote

Gershwin discovered in the New-York Tribune of 4 January 1924 that Whiteman had already announced a new composition by him - an example of early fake news.

In a subsequent telephone conversation, Whiteman told Gershwin that Whiteman's arch rival Vincent Lopez planned to steal the idea of his experimental concert and there was no time to lose.
Whiteman thus finally persuaded Gershwin to compose the work.
Gershwin started the composition on 7 January, for jazz ensemble (noted on only two staves) and piano.

After a few weeks, he finished the composition and passed it to Ferde Grofé, Whiteman's arranger, who finished orchestrating the work on February 4, just 8 days before the premiere.