A Rhapsody In Blue is a composition by
George Gershwin from
1924. It combines elements of
classical music with
jazz-influenced effects. While since the mid
20th century it has usually been played by classical orchestras, its
1924 debut in Aeoleon Hall in
New York City was by the
Paul Whiteman Orchestra, a jazzy dance band, with an added section of string players and George Gershwin on piano (who partially improvised his piano solo). Gershwin recorded the piece twice with the Whiteman Orchestra, as well as making a piano roll of the piano part. The Paul Whiteman Orchestra performs the piece in the
1930 film "King of Jazz" featuring
Ferde Grofe on piano.
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