Wonderful! I'd never realized before that the opening clarinet and trumpet solos were meant to sound like laughter! I know of no other version like this!
The clarinet was actually taken from and used as a symbol of klezmer, which Gershwin, as a Jew, knew very well. I am most struck by the fact that this was composed by him during the jazz age and the orchestral parts definitely show that. Rather than the grandiosity with which Rhapsody In Blue is most often played and conducted today, he obviously composed it and conducted the orchestra with great flair and Elon as befitted the time in which it was created and played.
There is something so subtle yet incredibly exhilarating in being able to listen a great piece such as Rhapsody in blue being played by its own author. Imagine being able to listen Mozart or Chopin to play.
It's hard to believe how different this sounds from more modern recordings. There's a "cheekiness" about it that seems pretty much lost to performances these days.
Agreed! This one of the reasons that I enjoyed what the Disney animators did with it in Fantasia 2000. They used animation rather than music, but they brought that cheekiness in. It's wild and wonderful to hear it as it was intended to be played and recognize the same cheekiness that's missing from most modern interpretations.
You said it! Few can perform this the right way--that is, how Gershwin intended it to be played. Bernstein made a taffy pull of it, & many follow his example. Rhapsody in Blue has been treated with little respect by performers. Some, such as Marcus Roberts, even "rewrite" it, passing it off as modern jazz! There is a new recording of the critical edition performed by Kevin Cole, an excellent Gershwin pianist. Look for it. It's on the Naxos label.
@@ronaldmartin4664 I watched Bernstein's attempt, and thought something wasn't right. So I looked for a more authentic version and found this. You can't get more authentic than this one.
@@dianammiller3333 It's insane how it's possible to listen to people from a 100 years ago without any hastle. Also hearing composers play their own works is always amazing
@@DaGhost141 - YT is nice, but my hubby has a recored collection that goes all the way back to cylinders, and the machines to play them on! A bit of a hassle, but SO interesting and astounding.
To me this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard in my life my mom and dad taught me to appreciate beautiful rest in peace George Gershwin beautiful soul now playing with the angels in heaven thank you
Nobody makes the clarinet and trumpet laugh, and as much as I love Bernstein, this is my favorite version. I mean, GEORGE is on keys! Paul Whiteman Orchestra backing him!
@@RS3DArchive I've loved him since I was a kid, watching the filmed version of his musicals and listening to the music Fred and Ginger danced to. I'll certainly check out the piano rolls, thanks!
One of my first exposures to this great piece of music were the United commercials. Back when flying was fun, instead of a flying psych outpatient ward.
I’m curious if this is actually played faster than they normally would so that it would all fit into the lacquer? Unless it’s a wire recording, but it sounds more hifi than that
I don't think Gershwin's integrity would allow him perform it faster than he wanted to just to fit the piece on the record - he would have simply cut it more (he'd already cut 1/3rd). What we're hearing here, in my opinion, is the energy and tempo that was idiomatic of the day and the Gershwin style. It was essentially 'dance floor', ultra modern and cool!!
Is there any way to learn who orchestrated this? Could have been Gershwin, of course, but composers rarely orchestrate as well - and some are more hands-on than others during process. I’d also like to see a list of musicians who performed on this recording. My grandfather played drums with Whiteman during this period; would be a thrill to learn if he - and others well-known to us now, participated in this amazing performance. ❤
You can look up the Whiteman Orchestra online, there are many sources. As for your first question, most of the orchestration for this was by Ferde Grofe, the composer who is best known for his "Grand Canyon Suite", with input from Whiteman himself. BTW, most classical composers actually did their own orchestrations, including Gershwin in his later compositions.
Poor man was only in his late 30s when he died of a brain tumor which when he complained of symptoms they put him in a psychiatric hospital. Told him it was all in his HEAD! Indeed it was.
The link below will bring you to the [Score-Video] of the Gershwin “Rhapsody In Blue” so that those of you who are interested can see what the printed music looks like as you hear the performance. ruclips.net/video/gsoM_ivU4TY/видео.html
Are you aware of the new critical edition of Rhapsody in Blue? It has been newly recorded on the Naxos label, with Kevin Cole at the piano. Cole nails the Gershwin style in Rhapsody in Blue. Check it out.
It is played the 1920s fashion, the cheerful fashion of the composer. Modernly the rhapsody gained drama and pomposity, but it's no longer quite Gershwin.
I think it was re-orchestrated in mid 1924 because Gershwin had played somewhat extemporaneously at the Aolean without a score? He nodded to the soloists when their bits came along. Due to extreme time constraints, in part because Gershwin had initially hesitated. I think Gershwin also recorded his first piano-roll version in 1924 which still survives, and can be used in a 2-piano presentation. The history gets extremely complicated through to the Oscar Levant version with large orchestra including being de-jazzed a bit.
this is the very first version's performance and yet, this sounds noticably faster than the very first version i myself own. everything's exactly the same besides the speed.
I am not sure of what you are saying. If you are saying you have the same recording as this it is quite possible that the speed and pitch could be different depending on which issue you are listening to. This recording comes from the early period when clockwork drives were used instead of electric motors, while they did ensure constant speed, they did not ensure accuracy. Not all 78s made in that time actually were recorded at 78 rpm. Thanks for your comment.
@@RS3DArchive Mine is a worn '24 (black label?) pressing that's maybe a wholestep or so lower in pitch than this one. Its been played on a dozen different turntables and is next to identical in tone each time. There's a slight difference on another copy of the same issue/pressing on YT from someone else but its hardly noticable. This sounds fine. Great, even. But unlike the two examples I know it to be.
So it's a halfstep higher in this recording then what is written. I'm wondering if it was first written in this key or if the audio is slightly distorted to make it sound like it's a different key.
Slightly distorted. The reason I can tell is that I have heard (and done to a lesser extent) A LOT of clarinet/bass clarinet performance, and I know specifically because, during the clarinet solo, the dude plays what sounds like a throat "Bb", but the timbre suggests that it is actually an A (concert G).
One possibility here is that the recorder was not an electrical transport. Many acoustic recording machines used a clock mechanism which assured constant speed, but could be slightly off-pitch. In this case, recording slower than normal. Without studio notes, (I have never seen any.), it is just impossible to know.
It’s true, I’ve never actually heard his version until now and am kind of amazing at how different it is. There’s way more swing and humor, it’s definitely less cinematic but more true to the conversational jazz vibe
I can't tell if you're joking or not...this was recorded in 1924, into a large horn (not even a microphone) that etched grooves onto a a disc...the reason you're not hearing bass is because it was RECORDED IN 1924, and we're lucky it even exists. Also this the original jazz band arrangement of the piece, not the symphonic version which includes multiple double basses, timpani and low horns. Like...sorry if I sound like a jerk, but DUH. Too much bass frequency would literally cause the needle to jump off the vinyl. Anyways go here and read the "notable recordings" section: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhapsody_in_Blue
Wonderful! I'd never realized before that the opening clarinet and trumpet solos were meant to sound like laughter! I know of no other version like this!
This struck me immediately as well.
That's why this is my favorite version.
Amen
The clarinet was actually taken from and used as a symbol of klezmer, which Gershwin, as a Jew, knew very well. I am most struck by the fact that this was composed by him during the jazz age and the orchestral parts definitely show that. Rather than the grandiosity with which Rhapsody In Blue is most often played and conducted today, he obviously composed it and conducted the orchestra with great flair and Elon as befitted the time in which it was created and played.
This was a piece that was created for and about the jazz age. The elite snobs get it wrong, as they always do.
There is something so subtle yet incredibly exhilarating in being able to listen a great piece such as Rhapsody in blue being played by its own author. Imagine being able to listen Mozart or Chopin to play.
or Rchmaninoff
Or Bach
It's hard to believe how different this sounds from more modern recordings. There's a "cheekiness" about it that seems pretty much lost to performances these days.
Sad that it isn't played today as it's composer intended. It sounds surprisingly jaunty.
Agreed! This one of the reasons that I enjoyed what the Disney animators did with it in Fantasia 2000. They used animation rather than music, but they brought that cheekiness in. It's wild and wonderful to hear it as it was intended to be played and recognize the same cheekiness that's missing from most modern interpretations.
Exactly!
You said it! Few can perform this the right way--that is, how Gershwin intended it to be played. Bernstein made a taffy pull of it, & many follow his example. Rhapsody in Blue has been treated with little respect by performers. Some, such as Marcus Roberts, even "rewrite" it, passing it off as modern jazz! There is a new recording of the critical edition performed by Kevin Cole, an excellent Gershwin pianist. Look for it. It's on the Naxos label.
@@ronaldmartin4664 I watched Bernstein's attempt, and thought something wasn't right. So I looked for a more authentic version and found this. You can't get more authentic than this one.
This recording is now 97 years old and it sounds beautiful.
99 now
100 years old. One whole century!
I'm listening to it on July 20th , 2024 - now 100 years old! Still outstanding!
@@dianammiller3333 It's insane how it's possible to listen to people from a 100 years ago without any hastle. Also hearing composers play their own works is always amazing
@@DaGhost141 - YT is nice, but my hubby has a recored collection that goes all the way back to cylinders, and the machines to play them on! A bit of a hassle, but SO interesting and astounding.
Recorded 100 years ago today! To me, one of the greatest recording of all times.
THIS is the recording all Conductors should carefully listen to, as Gershwin was helping Whiteman understand what he wanted, I'm sure.
To me this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard in my life my mom and dad taught me to appreciate beautiful rest in peace George Gershwin beautiful soul now playing with the angels in heaven thank you
Nobody makes the clarinet and trumpet laugh, and as much as I love Bernstein, this is my favorite version. I mean, GEORGE is on keys! Paul Whiteman Orchestra backing him!
Yeah. You might also check out his piano roll of the complete work, (also on this channel), he was a great pianist.
@@RS3DArchive I've loved him since I was a kid, watching the filmed version of his musicals and listening to the music Fred and Ginger danced to. I'll certainly check out the piano rolls, thanks!
Beautiful memories of good music Is Paul Whiteman the conductor Beautiful Thank you for the memories George Rest in peace with the angels of God
Thanks for sharing this! Been a Gershwin fan all of my life. It's hard to believe that this masterpiece is 100 years old!
THE best composition I've ever heard in my life. No comparison
I love the two gay guys in the front! The 1920s were very rebellious times. My grandma was a flapper. Oh you kid!!!
At United, we're connecting people. Uniting the world and doing it safely. From all of us, thank you, and enjoy your flight!
One of my first exposures to this great piece of music were the United commercials. Back when flying was fun, instead of a flying psych outpatient ward.
The thrill of a take off into the friendly skies 😊
What an incredible recording! Thanks for preserving it for all of us.
Bien que l'ensemble soit musicalement assez cohérent, l' impression d'une musique accélérée par moments, fait penser aux films de l'époque.
Interesting perspective. Thanks.
Only recording I know that comes even close to the jazziness of this is Previn in 1961
I'm absolutely shocked at how wonderful this is.... Thank you.
Delightful! Thank you for presenting to us the sound of the 20’s in excellent sound!
RUclips can remove the licensing information. This song now belongs to us.
Not in the U.S.A.. American copyright laws are pretty Draconian, and are structured for the sake of corporate greed, not the public interest.
Amen
@@RS3DArchive it's been in the public domain in the U.S. since 2020
Amen
and even if it was about to become public domain, they'd move Earth just to keep living out of the money it might make anyways
I’m curious if this is actually played faster than they normally would so that it would all fit into the lacquer? Unless it’s a wire recording, but it sounds more hifi than that
I don't think Gershwin's integrity would allow him perform it faster than he wanted to just to fit the piece on the record - he would have simply cut it more (he'd already cut 1/3rd). What we're hearing here, in my opinion, is the energy and tempo that was idiomatic of the day and the Gershwin style. It was essentially 'dance floor', ultra modern and cool!!
Very different from the version with Leonard Bernstein that I have on disc, but this must be how George Gershwin wanted it.
Beautiful !
WOW!
100 years of this recording...
superbe
Magical!
Close.
Is there any way to learn who orchestrated this? Could have been Gershwin, of course, but composers rarely orchestrate as well - and some are more hands-on than others during process. I’d also like to see a list of musicians who performed on this recording. My grandfather played drums with Whiteman during this period; would be a thrill to learn if he - and others well-known to us now, participated in this amazing performance. ❤
You can look up the Whiteman Orchestra online, there are many sources. As for your first question, most of the orchestration for this was by Ferde Grofe, the composer who is best known for his "Grand Canyon Suite", with input from Whiteman himself. BTW, most classical composers actually did their own orchestrations, including Gershwin in his later compositions.
Poor man was only in his late 30s when he died of a brain tumor which when he complained of symptoms they put him in a psychiatric hospital. Told him it was all in his HEAD! Indeed it was.
Just Beautiful!
Animated graphical score: ruclips.net/video/bK98TmMoDEk/видео.html
It’s a conversation in notes rather than words.
The link below will bring you to the [Score-Video] of the Gershwin “Rhapsody In Blue” so that those of you who are interested can see what the printed music looks like as you hear the performance.
ruclips.net/video/gsoM_ivU4TY/видео.html
Thanks for sharing that.
You’re welcome!
Are you aware of the new critical edition of Rhapsody in Blue? It has been newly recorded on the Naxos label, with Kevin Cole at the piano. Cole nails the Gershwin style in Rhapsody in Blue. Check it out.
I am back and I love all of George music.
It is played the 1920s fashion, the cheerful fashion of the composer. Modernly the rhapsody gained drama and pomposity, but it's no longer quite Gershwin.
Very Very good. 100 years later.
As I understand it, it was "re orchestrated" because no one else could play it.
I think it was re-orchestrated in mid 1924 because Gershwin had played somewhat extemporaneously at the Aolean without a score? He nodded to the soloists when their bits came along. Due to extreme time constraints, in part because Gershwin had initially hesitated. I think Gershwin also recorded his first piano-roll version in 1924 which still survives, and can be used in a 2-piano presentation. The history gets extremely complicated through to the Oscar Levant version with large orchestra including being de-jazzed a bit.
@@peterquennellnyc Do "Classical" types look down on Jazz?
@@TighelanderII Good question. My impression of the 4 orchestras at Lincoln Center is they adore playing jazz though it's all scored of course.
@@peterquennellnyc Years ago I listened to a Classical show on NPR, and the host jokingly insulted Jazz. I wasn't sure if he was joking.
this is the very first version's performance and yet, this sounds noticably faster than the very first version i myself own. everything's exactly the same besides the speed.
I am not sure of what you are saying. If you are saying you have the same recording as this it is quite possible that the speed and pitch could be different depending on which issue you are listening to. This recording comes from the early period when clockwork drives were used instead of electric motors, while they did ensure constant speed, they did not ensure accuracy. Not all 78s made in that time actually were recorded at 78 rpm. Thanks for your comment.
@@RS3DArchive Mine is a worn '24 (black label?) pressing that's maybe a wholestep or so lower in pitch than this one. Its been played on a dozen different turntables and is next to identical in tone each time. There's a slight difference on another copy of the same issue/pressing on YT from someone else but its hardly noticable. This sounds fine. Great, even. But unlike the two examples I know it to be.
This is Tin Pan Alley at its very best. And each rendition has its own flavor and flair. Isn’t music wonderful!
So it's a halfstep higher in this recording then what is written. I'm wondering if it was first written in this key or if the audio is slightly distorted to make it sound like it's a different key.
Slightly distorted. The reason I can tell is that I have heard (and done to a lesser extent) A LOT of clarinet/bass clarinet performance, and I know specifically because, during the clarinet solo, the dude plays what sounds like a throat "Bb", but the timbre suggests that it is actually an A (concert G).
One possibility here is that the recorder was not an electrical transport. Many acoustic recording machines used a clock mechanism which assured constant speed, but could be slightly off-pitch. In this case, recording slower than normal. Without studio notes, (I have never seen any.), it is just impossible to know.
Ok, interesting. Thank you both for your replies!
Gershwin is saying, "Thanks for everything Europe, but we'll take it from here."
It sounds so.....jazzy......the symphonic approach in this days loses the "swing" feeling
It’s true, I’ve never actually heard his version until now and am kind of amazing at how different it is. There’s way more swing and humor, it’s definitely less cinematic but more true to the conversational jazz vibe
Do Classical types look down on Jazz?
6:06..
I hear songs like this in old cartoons
#RhapsodyInBlue100
I came after Liquid Tension Experiment
Me too, liked it, but I needed to assure myself about the original ;-) (my absolute favourite music piece in almost all its forms)
ruclips.net/video/AkrZhQLD92Y/видео.html
How I know him. ☺
Mid- treble only. Bass is kind of lost... but its still wonderful
I can't tell if you're joking or not...this was recorded in 1924, into a large horn (not even a microphone) that etched grooves onto a a disc...the reason you're not hearing bass is because it was RECORDED IN 1924, and we're lucky it even exists. Also this the original jazz band arrangement of the piece, not the symphonic version which includes multiple double basses, timpani and low horns. Like...sorry if I sound like a jerk, but DUH. Too much bass frequency would literally cause the needle to jump off the vinyl. Anyways go here and read the "notable recordings" section: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhapsody_in_Blue
Still can hear the bass where it's important--- the bass clarinet solo!😁
@@Navonodoit’s incredible and makes me cry
United Airlines