Musical works

Written in 1924 for solo piano and jazz ensemble, then re-orchestrated by Ferde Grofé for symphony orchestra in 1942, Rhapsody in Blue stands among the most iconic works in the repertoire, beautifully blending the best of jazz and the symphonic world. It is without a doubt Gershwin’s most popular composition, one that played a key role in establishing his reputation as a major American composer. There is no question that Disney’s adaptation of this Rhapsody in the feature film Fantasia 2000 has helped sustain its popularity nearly a century after its creation.