Rhapsody in Blue

[TC Chris]

Our evening announcer tells me that on this very day 100 years ago, George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue was first performed. I liked it when I was 16 and knew little music beyond R&R; I still love it 60 years later when my tastes have expanded vastly. It's just good music.

About a week ago, some dimwit published a piece in the NYT about how it was derivative, and dull, and had little value. That received comments almost universally hostile and a couple follow-up columns from others saying quite the opposite. My theory is that if something remains widely popular after 100 years, it must have some value. My own theory is that George Gershwin was a genius and that we were robbed by his early death at 37. I've lived more than twice as long and have not produced anything that has affected the world like his music. The other day the Met Opera broadcast of historic performances included one of "Bess, You Is My Woman Now" from Porgy and Bess. It was wonderful. It reminded me of certain writers who have tried to demonstrate their high-mindedness by proclaiming that the work is not an "opera." It is, it is American, and it has enduring value. Lots of it. George and his brother Ira, American originals, children of immigrants....

Chris Campbell

[walyfd]

I meant to post about this milestone. WRTI from Philadelphia mentioned it during the Sunday jazz show.

A century later and we're still admiring this music. The Gershwin songbook.... everybody knows at least one of their songs even if they're not aware of it.

[William]

I couldn't agree more, guys. George Gershwin was a musical genius and one of my top 5 favorites. I often play his music on the piano or organ.

Bill

[walyfd]

When I took piano lessons (that failed miserably), my one goal was to play Rhapsody in Blue like earl wilde with the Boston Pops.

Friend in high school could play. We were at somebody's house and he just sat down and played whatever with no music. I requested RIB and off he went... how I wish I had that talent.

[maxidyne]

There was a Lawrence Welk program that features Jo Ann Castle and Larry Hooper playing Rapsody in Blue. We tried playing it in high school band but never got it right.....

[William]

There are a couple of shortened versions that I could play that were written for organ. My grandmother could play it, but then she could sight read any piece of music or hear it on the radio and then sit down at the piano and play it. For some reason, I did not inherit that gene.

Bill

[19&41]

He wrote so many wonderful works. A pleasure to listen to straight, or one of the many variations of covers of his works.