<George Gershwin>
Zax, David. "Summertime for George Gershwin." Http://www.smithsonianmag.com/. Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2010. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
Zax, David. "Summertime for George Gershwin." Http://www.smithsonianmag.com/. Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2010. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
Paul K.
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue was one of my favorite pieces only because of that clarinet solo at the beginning. However, from this research, I could understand the whole atmosphere of 1920s America and its influence on George Gershwin's compositions. Jazz genre was no longer a "poor music" after Harlem Renaissance and it became one of the popular music in America. I am also in Jazz Band and play some pieces written in that period.
I had loved Gershwin's compositions like Piano Concerto in F, Fascinatin' Rhythm, or Someone to Watch Over Me. Now having learned about the period of time he was active, I can understand more about him and his music.
Jessica P.
I love playing George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, although it is a very challenging piece. The melody, though, is beautiful, and after conducting the research necessary to complete this website, I am able to better understand the history of the time period it was created in. Having learned about Gershwin's life and the culture during that time period better allows me to play the song by knowing what emotions Gershwin felt and what inspired him to write this piece.
What I love most about this piece is the combination of the jazz and classical components. I am unable to classify this song as a jazz piece that contains some classical parts or as a classical piece that contains some jazzy parts. Rhapsody in Blue is so unique because it encompasses the emerging jazz interest that was occurring during the time period in which it was created.
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue was one of my favorite pieces only because of that clarinet solo at the beginning. However, from this research, I could understand the whole atmosphere of 1920s America and its influence on George Gershwin's compositions. Jazz genre was no longer a "poor music" after Harlem Renaissance and it became one of the popular music in America. I am also in Jazz Band and play some pieces written in that period.
I had loved Gershwin's compositions like Piano Concerto in F, Fascinatin' Rhythm, or Someone to Watch Over Me. Now having learned about the period of time he was active, I can understand more about him and his music.
Jessica P.
I love playing George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, although it is a very challenging piece. The melody, though, is beautiful, and after conducting the research necessary to complete this website, I am able to better understand the history of the time period it was created in. Having learned about Gershwin's life and the culture during that time period better allows me to play the song by knowing what emotions Gershwin felt and what inspired him to write this piece.
What I love most about this piece is the combination of the jazz and classical components. I am unable to classify this song as a jazz piece that contains some classical parts or as a classical piece that contains some jazzy parts. Rhapsody in Blue is so unique because it encompasses the emerging jazz interest that was occurring during the time period in which it was created.
Anthony G.
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue is a fascinating piece. It combines the popular ragtime style of the 1920's with classical music styles. This makes it an extremely entertaining piece to listen to and play. I particularly enjoy the prominent bass lines that do more than simply support the melody. It is a pleasant change from other music. It is also very interesting playing a jazz influenced song from a classical music standpoint.
Addie S.
Personally, this is one of my favorite pieces we have played in class. Rhapsody in Blue has such an amazing tone that it just makes me happy especially when we play it correctly. I love when the brass instruments start to play and how powerful they sound when they come in. It really sets the mood for the rest of the piece. The beginning on the piece is just so powerful that it really wakes yourself up and gets you into the mood of the piece. From the research that I did, I think we can really improve our dynamics and our intonation because right now we are just blasting our instruments and that doesn't really make the piece sound good at all. If we were focus on the other instruments in the band, then we can really hear who has the melody and who has to play out. If we can do that, then we can really jazz up this song and make it into the sound George Gershwin intended on it to sound. I love how we are finally playing a jazzy song because I wanted to play one for the longest time and I am glad that I get to play it to such an amazing piece like this one.
Emily B.
Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin is my favorite piece that we play in band. I absolutely love all of the rhythms and melodies and enjoy playing every part. Now having a better understanding of what the piece represents, I am able to put more passion into my playing during this piece. I love how the sounds of the train inspired the composition of this piece. To me, it is fascinating to discover what influences some of the most profound musicians, writers, and artists. It is incredible how Gershwin was able to write the entire piece in only a weeks time. Although we don't get to hear the piano solo in band class, it is definitely my favorite part of the piece. I loved listening to it while hearing the recordings. I also find it very interesting how the piece was used by two major companies.
From what I have learned through my research, I believe that we as a band need to come together and unite as one, similar to the way in which it united the workers of United Airlines. Only then can we truly be successful. Also, I think if we are able to feel the inspiration and emotion behind the piece, our playing will be able to reflect that as opposed to just blasting notes. Once the song takes on a significant meaning that we are all aware of, that will be reflected in our playing. For example, because Rhapsody in Blue was written during the Great Depression, Disney's Fantasia 2000 depicts that along with the song.
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue is a fascinating piece. It combines the popular ragtime style of the 1920's with classical music styles. This makes it an extremely entertaining piece to listen to and play. I particularly enjoy the prominent bass lines that do more than simply support the melody. It is a pleasant change from other music. It is also very interesting playing a jazz influenced song from a classical music standpoint.
Addie S.
Personally, this is one of my favorite pieces we have played in class. Rhapsody in Blue has such an amazing tone that it just makes me happy especially when we play it correctly. I love when the brass instruments start to play and how powerful they sound when they come in. It really sets the mood for the rest of the piece. The beginning on the piece is just so powerful that it really wakes yourself up and gets you into the mood of the piece. From the research that I did, I think we can really improve our dynamics and our intonation because right now we are just blasting our instruments and that doesn't really make the piece sound good at all. If we were focus on the other instruments in the band, then we can really hear who has the melody and who has to play out. If we can do that, then we can really jazz up this song and make it into the sound George Gershwin intended on it to sound. I love how we are finally playing a jazzy song because I wanted to play one for the longest time and I am glad that I get to play it to such an amazing piece like this one.
Emily B.
Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin is my favorite piece that we play in band. I absolutely love all of the rhythms and melodies and enjoy playing every part. Now having a better understanding of what the piece represents, I am able to put more passion into my playing during this piece. I love how the sounds of the train inspired the composition of this piece. To me, it is fascinating to discover what influences some of the most profound musicians, writers, and artists. It is incredible how Gershwin was able to write the entire piece in only a weeks time. Although we don't get to hear the piano solo in band class, it is definitely my favorite part of the piece. I loved listening to it while hearing the recordings. I also find it very interesting how the piece was used by two major companies.
From what I have learned through my research, I believe that we as a band need to come together and unite as one, similar to the way in which it united the workers of United Airlines. Only then can we truly be successful. Also, I think if we are able to feel the inspiration and emotion behind the piece, our playing will be able to reflect that as opposed to just blasting notes. Once the song takes on a significant meaning that we are all aware of, that will be reflected in our playing. For example, because Rhapsody in Blue was written during the Great Depression, Disney's Fantasia 2000 depicts that along with the song.
Robert G.
I was very glad when I got selected to research Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. Rhapsody in Blue is definitely a fun a piece to play which I enjoy mostly because of the different changes in pace and volume the song has. Through my research I learned a lot about the culture of art in the 1920’s and realized that art in the 1920’s was very bright and full of life. Looking at all of Picasso's paintings and the different art works of the surrealist movement really intrigued me. These paintings helped me understand that when I play in band I need to focus all my energy on the piece and can’t afford to lose my focus as I'm sure none of the artists of the paintings I saw ever did while they were hard at work. The next time I play Rhapsody in Blue I'll make sure to play the piece like the art of the 1920's, full of life.
I was very glad when I got selected to research Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. Rhapsody in Blue is definitely a fun a piece to play which I enjoy mostly because of the different changes in pace and volume the song has. Through my research I learned a lot about the culture of art in the 1920’s and realized that art in the 1920’s was very bright and full of life. Looking at all of Picasso's paintings and the different art works of the surrealist movement really intrigued me. These paintings helped me understand that when I play in band I need to focus all my energy on the piece and can’t afford to lose my focus as I'm sure none of the artists of the paintings I saw ever did while they were hard at work. The next time I play Rhapsody in Blue I'll make sure to play the piece like the art of the 1920's, full of life.