Rhapsody In Blue Premiere, 1924

"The King of Jazz," Paul Whiteman, a strong-willed innovator and perfectionist became the most popular band leader in the U.S. during the Roaring Twenties. He encouraged many talented artists and composers through his interest in fusing jazz with other musical styles. Furthermore, he appreciated experimental music and sponsored several concerts featuring new compositions and artists. For one of these concerts he asked his friend and collaborator, George Gershwin, to compose a "jazz concerto." Although faced with a short performance deadline, Gershwin reluctantly agreed. In two weeks, he completed the new piece and entitled it Rhapsody in Blue. After two weeks of orchestration and eight days of rehearsal, Whiteman premiered the piece at the Aeolian Hall in New York in February 12, 1924 with Gershwin at the piano. The performance certainly enhanced Whiteman's reputation but more importantly it affirmed Gershwin place as a leading American composer.

Cover of original sheet music of the two-piano version

There is no recording of the premiere but the bandleader and composer did appear in a memorable performance of Rhapsody in Blue in the 1930 film, King of Jazz. The film itself is an important piece of cinema history. Here is the sequence:

Gershwin was born in New York in 1898. He went on to become perhaps the most beloved American composer of the first half of the last century through his many compositions for the musical stage, the concert hall, and what has become known as the Great American Songbook. Gershwin's appeal comes in part from his colorful and lively incorporation of jazz motifs in all his music. He died in 1937 with what could only be called a wonderful career ahead of him. I often imagine what he could have brought to us had he lived. As for Rhapsody in Blue it seems as fresh today as it did in 1924 ranking among the most popular of concert titles in orchestra repertoires around the world.

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:

cover photo, fair use under copyright law of the United States; wikipedia entry, Rhapsody in Blue

A Historic First Performance In Jazz, February 12, 1924

George Gershwin, 1937                                  Carl Van Vechten

Shortly after News Year's Day in 1930, the "King of Jazz," bandleader Paul Whiteman asked his friend, George Gershwin, to compose a "jazz concerto" for his concert series in New York. Although faced with a short performance deadline, Gershwin reluctantly agreed. In two weeks, he completed the new piece and entitled it Rhapsody in Blue. After two weeks of orchestration and eight days of rehearsal, Whiteman premiered the piece at the Aeolian Hall in New York on February 12, 1924 with Gershwin at the piano. The performance certainly enhanced Whiteman's reputation but more importantly it affirmed Gershwin's place as an innovative, leading American composer. The rest is history.

There is no recording of the premiere but the bandleader and composer did appear in a memorable performance of Rhapsody in Blue in the 1930 film,King of Jazz. The film itself is an important piece of cinema history.

Gershwin was born in New York in 1898. He went on to become perhaps the most beloved American composer of the last century through his many compositions for the musical stage, the concert hall, and what has become known as the Great American Songbook. His appeal comes in part from the colorful and lively incorporation of jazz motifs in all his music. He died in 1937 with what could only be called a wonderful career ahead of him. I often imagine what he could have brought to us had he lived to see the 1980's.

As for Rhapsody in Blue it seems as fresh today as it did in 1924 ranking among the most popular of concert titles in orchestra repertoires around the world.

Sources

Photographs and Illustrations:

Photograph, Van Vechten Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Paul Whiteman, The King of Jazz

OTR has quite a few significant birthdays on his calendar this week. The honor today is reserved for "The King of Jazz," Paul Whiteman. He was the most popular band leader in the U.S. during the Roaring Twenties. Whiteman encouraged many talented artists and composers through his interest in fusing jazz with other musical styles. He also sponsored several concerts featuring experimental music. For one of these concerts, he prodded George Gershwin into composing some "new music." The composition was Rhapsody in Blue. Whiteman premiered the piece at the Aeolian Hall in New York in 1924 with Gershwin at the piano.

Today, Rhapsody, is beloved throughout the world, but Whiteman is all but forgotten as the man behind the music. We need to correct that. After all, he did give early exposure to some of the best, including Bing Corsby, Mildred Bailey, Bunny Berigan, Jack Venuti, Bix Beiderbecke, and Jack Teagarden.

Here's an important interview with Whiteman about Gershwin and the creation of Rhapsody. This is a very recent YouTube post running 9:36 - well worth every second - including about three 3 minutes of music.



It wouldn't be right to let Whiteman's birthday pass without an opportunity to hear his celebrated orchestra performing one of their hits. This was Crosby's first number one record. The year was 1928.



Bet you tapped your foot.