Rhapsody in Blue – that jazz-infused orchestral marvel from one of America’s quintessential 20th century music makers, George Gershwin – has become a mainstay in the repertoire of many ensembles across the world. A quick review of WDAV’s playlist for the past year brings up more than thirty specific airings of this piece. The performance groups range from the Prague National Symphony to the Cleveland Orchestra to the City of London Sinfonia – among many others!
The following is a YouTube video featuring a very different kind of ensemble, Liquid Tension Experiment, performing this iconic piece of Americana:
And, while this version may not be to everyone’s taste, it certainly demonstrates the elasticity of Gershwin’s musical genius!
For a more traditional rendition featuring another American icon – Leonard Bernstein himself at the piano with the New York Philharmonic – check this video out:
