Every country has a unique musical sound. Germany has powerful symphonies by Beethoven and lyrical waltzes. Italy has soaring operas by Verdi and Puccini, and Mexico has music with a vibrating beat. The musical sound of the United States has been influenced by a melting pot of cultures. There is classical music, rag time, blues and jazz. When combined this unique blend of tones and feelings gives a power to music from the United States. No composer captured this spirit like George Gershwin. Anna Harwell Celenza tells the amazing story of his masterpiece, "Rhapsody in Blue," in this interesting book.
By the age of 26, George Gershwin has already written numerous popular songs and several musicals. During a pool game, much to his surprise, his brother Ira tells him that a recital of American music is going to take place in New York in five weeks. According to the newspaper column, George will play a new jazz concerto to highlight the show. The young composer drops his pool cue on hearing this. What new jazz concerto? He isn’t even working on a concerto, let alone one that would showcase American music. Angrily he storms down to see Paul Whitman, the band leader with this grandiose idea for showcasing American music. Whitman realizes that Gershwin has not written any of the music for this defining piece, but confidently tells the musician that he has all the talent necessary to write such a work. Reluctantly, George agrees to try and returns home to listen to the great composers Liszt and Chopin. But this is not American music, and the compositions are of little help. So George begins walking around New York thinking about the concerto. Frustrated, he boards a train to Boston to attend a production of his recent musical. On the train, as the wheels continue to clack around and around, an idea begins to form. He remembers hearing a band playing at a Bar Mitzvah, the sounds of Scott Joplin’s ragtime, and various blues songs. Throughout the trip he sees the new dance, the Foxtrot, blending with all of these sounds. Gershwin quickly puts the notes down on the musical score. In a short time the concerto must be performed at the theatre and Gershwin races to stay ahead of his deadline. On the night of the performance, the crowd has become angry with the mediocre songs in the show. Paul Whitman turns to George to play "The Rhapsody in Blue." He hurriedly runs across the stage to the piano and begins.
What happens that night? Did the crowd riot as Paul Whitman had feared? Is it possible to blend rag time, popular, classical and blues music together? How do you add dancing into this exciting mix? Have you ever heard George Gershwin’s music? If not, go to the library and check out this entertaining book about the development of Gershwin’s masterpiece.
George Gershwin captured many American experiences in his excellent compositions. Listening to them is fun and exciting, and this book has excellent pictures and text to tell the story of writing of "The Rhapsody in Blue." It is a very entertaining book. You will enjoy it as much as your children. And remember; don’t forget to listen to the exhilarating CD of the music that is available on the back page. Enjoy!
