Antique GERSHWIN'S RHAPSODY IN BLUE 2 Album Vinyl 78 RPM VICTOR RECORDS & BINDER
  $   50

 


$ 50 Sold For
Jul 28, 2016 Sold Date
Jul 10, 2016 Start Date
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  USA Country Of Seller
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Description

Antique GERSHWIN'S RHAPSODY IN BLUE  2 Album Vinyl 78 RPM VICTOR RECORDS & ORIGINAL BINDER George Gershwin "Rhapsody In Blue" Victor Red Seal DM-358  Double Album in original Binder  12" 78 RPM

Both in really great condition. See pictures for better description and condition. 

 Is it classical music with pop elements, or jazz with serious pretensions?

The instrumentation was completed barely a week before the scheduled premiere. Due to the rushed circumstances and his other commitments, Gershwin had no time to write out the solo passages, which he played from memory (and, great improviser that he was, probably embellished considerably). Gershwin's understanding with Whiteman was that he would nod when his solos were over and the next orchestral portion was to begin.

The concert was long and tedious, with Gershwin's piece nearly at the end. While critical reaction was mixed, the audience was thrilled and the work was recognized immediately as something new and excitingly different. Even now, with the vantage of retrospect, the Rhapsody in Blue eludes convenient classification. Is it classical music with pop elements, or jazz with serious pretensions?

Just what type of musical creature is the Rhapsody in Blue? From the very outset, commentators have struggled to describe it. Gershwin had declared his intention as breaking down misconceptions about the limitations of jazz. But such terminology is confusing – this wasn't the same spontaneously improvised “jazz” that his contemporaries Louis Armstrong, Jellyroll Morton and Bix Biederbecke were creating. Rather, it was a mainstream version filtered into dance arrangements that stretched conventional rules with a novel edge of some harmonic flights, rhythmic variation and emphatic playing. Whiteman's claim to have been “The King of Jazz” must have gotten a good sneer from real jazz musicians.   Copyright  by Peter Gutmann


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