Rhapsody In Blue: Gershwin Access

: Gershwin claimed the piece's full construction came to him during a train journey from Boston to New York, where the "steely rhythms" and "rattlety-bang" of the train inspired the work's momentum.

Gershwin was initially reluctant to take on the challenge, reportedly only starting work after reading a news report that Whiteman was already planning the performance. Rhapsody In Blue: Gershwin

The work is characterized by five primary musical themes that repeat and expand in a call-and-response style: : The main opening theme. : Gershwin claimed the piece's full construction came

: Representing the mechanical, rhythmic pulse of 1920s urban life. Stride : A nod to the Harlem stride piano style. Shuffle : A jazz-inflected rhythmic section. : Representing the mechanical, rhythmic pulse of 1920s

: The lush, slow middle theme (famously used for years in United Airlines commercials). Impact and Controversy

: Due to time constraints—Gershwin composed the concerto in just five weeks—the orchestration was handled by Whiteman’s arranger, Ferde Grofé . Grofé created multiple versions over the years, including the original jazz band scoring (1924) and the more common full symphonic version (1942). Musical Structure and Themes

'Rhapsody in Blue,' Gershwin's musical melting pot, at 100 : NPR