Gershwin & Leonard Bernstein Gershwin / Leonard Bernstein: American In Paris / Rhapsody In Blue (Gold)

George Gershwin is an American legend and represents the first not-so-secret passageway between jazz and classical worlds. "Rhapsody in Blue" is one of Gershwin's signature compositions. It was composed in 3 weeks in 1924 in response to a commission for a jazz concerto by Paul Whiteman for his orchestra. To say that Rhapsody in Blue became a success is a gross understatement. More importantly over the years, it has served as one of the greatest crossover pieces ever written and has introduced millions to the outskirts of the classical realm. This performance was done by the New York Philharmonic led by conductor Leonard Bernstein. The music speaks for itself. Remove the piano from Rhapsody in Blue, and you have the essence of An American in Paris, composed just a few years after the Rhapsody. This version is carried out by the Columbia Symphony Orchestra led by Leonard Bernstein (piano and conductor). Once again, Gershwin, a superb songwriter, gave a fabulous melody orchestral life.