Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue GENIUS SOLO PIANO ARRANGEMENT by Jack Gibbons

Award-winning genius Gershwin player Jack Gibbons plays his solo piano arrangement of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, based on Gershwin's piano rolls.

[@fr.paulmartin6314]

Jack Gibbons is without question the finest interpreter of Gershwin's music since Oscar Levant. No other living being has such a firm handle on the Gershwin style. Thanks, Jack. You've made my life richer.

[@flintlong2937]

This is just great. He's playing the orchestral score. In other words, the classic, traditional piano arrangement does not contain several portions that he is playing. He has added them to the generally accepted piano score. He is playing more the parts the piano would play with orchestra. And he's doing an incredible job of it. I can hear the orchestra! Can you?

[@kathleensposato5529]

Yep

[@carinacoetsee2334]

Yes, it's wonderful!

[@jstasiak2262]

He is playing a transcription of George Gershwin playing this piece on the pianola-the player piano that uses paper rolls to record music. You can hear Gershwin himself playing this arrangement on the CD “Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls, Vol. 1”

[@charlesgreenberg6956]

@@jstasiak2262 half correct since the gershwin pianola piece is for two pianos (As that's how he composed the piece prior to orchestration) he's probably playing some reduction of that original dual piano piece

[@nerdy_nurse]

He’s playing the piano roll version which is for 2 pianos. He jokes in his concerts that he will play as many notes as he possibly can. 😊

[@cognacremy387]

What's amazing about this whole thing is that this is his encore after playing all of Alkan's Etudes from memory. F'ing insane......

[@jeanieperkins]

That is amazing!! Cheers!

[@alberto798]

WTF

[@damiangilz]

A man that does that knows no limits... and he knows it

[@agamaz5650]

all of Alkan's Etudes from memory? omg show

[@davidloveday8473]

@@agamaz5650 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bF68iZecgLBngJI

[@kayrugg7728]

The best !! You make Leonard Bernstein look like he needs piano lessons!! I have been a fan of Gershwin since a child. I am 70 now and I have never heard better. Have studied under George Fanelli and thought I was pretty good until now. I think the Steinway was tuned better then I have ever heard. Don't have much time left on Earth, so I am so honored and inspired to listen to this performance . God bless you🎵💕

[@anitashullerpiano1211]

Leo definitely doesn’t need piano lessons, but thank you for sharing! This is indeed an awesome performance!

[@josephmclaughlin9865]

Hope you're still with us

[@fr.paulmartin6314]

Good to meet another septuagenarian Gershwin fan (I'm 72!). Isn't Jack great? He alone today understands the Gershwin style. He's in a class with Levant & the composer himself.

[@RexAstrum]

I admit, I clapped at my computer at the end of the piece ._. fantastic!

[@mikepen3477]

surely Gershwin himself would have admired this interpretation!

[@kimstill7611]

I truly believe this is one of the best pieces of music written in the 20th century...Gershwin was a genius. And, Jack Gibbons gives his own genius to it in this performance. Wow.

[@brianweir1270]

Yeah he owns this piece! Yeah a favourite way to kill 15-16min!

[@MrIcecolddd]

Kim Still Couldn’t agree more, this song is one for the history books and will truly stand the test of time. It makes you wonder what else could he have gone on to write if he didn’t die at such an early age.

[@DoeSwiftandBond]

One of the best Rhapsody performances. True to the tone and spirit of the orchestra versions, yet brilliant in while long piano play. Fantastic. Rest smiling Gershwin!

[@unclejuniorsoprano]

Gershwin played it even faster. This music was composed with a fast-moving train in mind & not a cable car. Gibbon's tempo is exactly right. This pianist knows what he's doing & understands exactly what George Gershwin wanted. His interpretation also maintains the integrity of how it was first recorded, by Oscar Levant, who witnessed Gershwin composing it at hand.

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

You're right. George would approve!

[@jeffm68]

And how precisely would you know at what speed Gershwin played the piece? I grow very weary of people who want to puff themselves up on the accomplishments of others. Why is it so difficult to simply compliment the performer without attempting to boost your own ego?

[@pleasedontfeedthe6235]

@@jeffm68 I think this was a compliment to the pianist, kind of came off a little arrogant at the beginning but reading the entirety of the comment, I think the commenter was trying to say that this piece was meant to be played with aggressive speed. Comparable to other interpretations of the piece, might mean it is not always being played up to tempo. I've noticed this with Chopin's Prelude in E Minor, a lot of pianists will play this piece very rushed when it is meant to be heart-wrenching, deliberate and slow. Not a right or wrong way to do it, music is open to interpretation. Just cool to hear when a musician really tunes into the feelings of the composer.

[@teh_hunterer]

Definitely get you, though he didn't always do it faster. In some piano roll recordings he played a lot of it far slower than any other performances of this song I've heard. There are some nuances and truly special feelings in this song that are lost by how fast everyone plays. Jack comes close, but his interpretation does still miss some of those. But everyone misses them.

[@miken891]

Rubbish! Gershwin didn't play it faster. Here's the original 1924 recording with Gershwin as soloist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHjZpoiFqa16oc0

[@keithkunikida1222]

He put so much energy on that last chord and nails it to the wall, love it!

[@oliounidizlove]

Pour mes funérailles, fini les mots, ça suffit !!!. Je veux partir avec cette version piano, merci monsieur Gibbons !!!❤

[@Nick215NY]

By far one of the best renditions of the Rhapsody I have ever heard. Powerful, energetic and no-nonsense, exactly as George Gershwin would have wanted it.

[@suztours]

Forget parades, forget football, even forget black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread... my mother used to play this in the afternoon every New Year's Day on our Steinway Baby Grand Piano... I could hardly keep still, but I was in heaven! Miss you Mom (she passed away in 2007), but I can still see you sitting at the piano playing your heart out on this one, which you loved!

[@danielhoover2790]

So many years of listening, and not enjoying, the solo version of the rhapsody. Jack brings it to life. Thank you Jack!

[@radesrochers]

I'm always amazed when I ponder the incredible talent of George Gershwin to have written something so complex but beautiful as Rhapsody In Blue.

[@fr.paulmartin6314]

Yes, indeed! Do you know Gershwin's other works for piano & orchestra? His Piano Concerto in F is one of the world's great concertos, & his 2nd Rhapsody is another fine tonal painting of NYC. And his opera Porgy & Bess is his absolute masterpiece. Check them out!😊

[@jscottupton]

He managed the spirit of the piece even WITHOUT the orchestra. Amazing.

[@Avner01]

I heard the original piano version by Gershwin a long time ago. I even found it on KZbin, although it's nowhere to be found now; Jack's version sticks to Gershwin even in small details (4'09", 5'02", etc.) no doubt. A real pleasure.

[@pleasedontfeedthe6235]

Just learned the first two pages of rhapsody in blue...with not nearly as much tact of course. Love this piece.

[@veg1run]

+Audrey Scanlon Hope that you learn the entire piece. Have you seen the Paola Bruni video? you can find it on youtube.

[@Askeys]

+Audrey Scanlon jaja yo cuatro

[@MichaelCGatesMusic]

+Audrey Scanlon How are you making out with it, after five months? I just can't get one of the pages, I think 27 on my score... I just can't get it. It has some crazy arpeggios on the right hand that my hand just won't do.

[@brianweir1270]

awesome piece piano solo or full orchestra. touches so many genres of music.

[@FreakyStyleytobby]

Yesterday i've finally finished reading last page. After 3 years :D But frankly i didnt have time. Now it's time to master this piece.

[@MrTennis63]

I’ve seen many many videos of pianists playing Rhapsody in Blue with and without an orchestra to accompany them but this version of Rhapsody by Jack Gibbons is the best I have ever seen or heard.

[@Gxyz222]

It takes a very special person to perform a Gershwin song of this level, stamina and skill. You do the legendary composer immense justice Jack!

[@Sirvalorsax]

My favorite bit in this work is at 11:36. It's so hip!! This dude NAILS it! :)

[@futuristicameria7916]

Mine to 😀

[@2.20Daniel]

God I wish I could’ve been there when he first performed this masterpiece. I can’t imagine the look on people’s faces when they stood in front of greatness.

[@dabaska787]

good god jack , you are the man

[@astridmmusic]

He enjoys the music so much, look at his body language and facial expressions. I really appreciate those pianists who express their enthusiasm about music during playing :D

[@piratemeow]

Rhapsody in Blue is HANDS DOWN my favorite composition. I get goosebumps hearing the notes. I am now learning to play piano. And I am trying to get the basics down quick because this is the 1st complete composition I want to master.

[@veg1run]

+Supernatural Pineapple Look for the Paola Bruni performance on youtube.

[@gijswolfs8915]

You have to be at a very high level to play this, so I wish you all the luck in the world

[@leot7]

That's a good goal to work towards.

[@__jan]

can't rush something like this. just give it time, play simpler pieces, preferrably jazz because that'll get you closest to gershwin

[@josephhowes2663]

This is a very challenging piece and in most cases would take over 5 or 6 years of experience to get anywhere near this level

[@albertpeckham8708]

Dear God! How do you keep all of this magic inside your head! KUDOS to you ! Thank you!

[@mrtscollection2345]

This guy crushed this performance. Im talking out in to the bay. Tremendous performance.

[@drkhanelkins]

This is the best Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue I have ever heard on KZbin or anywhere. And This gentleman is fascinating to hear in person and the history he provides about the music he plays is totally awesome. We are lucky and blessed in Elkins West Virginia, to get to see And hear him play. .

[@mudhen9295]

I saw him play Bach at Oxford recently and his joy was infectious. What a treat to find this online.

[@madlovba3]

I'd downloaded this video earlier, posted it on my madlovba2 account, and after my channel was deleted (definitely not because of this video) I reuploaded it to madlovba3. Mr Gibbons, who is actually present on KZbin, has never expressed any complaints about this awesome video; on the contrary, he linked it on his website and in a comment he said "thanks to madlovba2" for that upload. Luckily, he's not a copyright nazi at all and lets his wonderful performances spread and be spread.

[@denostar]

By far the best solo piano version I've listened to!

[@1947IndianChief]

I just shake my head in wonder at how magnificently you perform this piece. Musical tastes of course vary, but I’ve been listening to Gershwin for 35 years and, for me, your renditions of his work are most akin to how I envision them being played. Awe inspiring!

[@ohxishxitsxdavid]

I'm completely blown away. I can't believe some people have the gall to down-vote this. Those people really just hate themselves.

[@jamesculwell8628]

Ive heard several solos of Rhapsody in Blue, and this is by far the best that ive ever heard.

[@kimstill7611]

OK…I love this piece by G…but this dude…he brought tears to my eyes. What a brilliant interpretation. Thanks. :D

[@rey5490]

this is the most amazing piano performance Ive ever seen in my life, it just brings me emotions i just cant describe.

[@PigTazer]

can't describe how this made me feel... Beautiful.

[@tiernanmchugh9655]

My favourite bit is the section at 9:27, it's so soothing

[@unclejuniorsoprano]

Not only would George be exquisitely proud of this performance, Oscar Levant would be too. This is far beyond the level of acceptability; this is sheer genius. The interpretation is right on target & so is the playing. Jack Gibbons is to Gershwin & music what Euell Gibbons was to the outdoors & nature. Gibbons' playing of Gershwin rivals other greats such as Andre Previn & Earl Wild. Gershwin took a very fast tempo & Gibbons is true to the composer's own interpretation. Bravo, Mr. Gibbons!

[@AlexJamesGTV]

still don't understand how one is able to do this without their fingers falling off.

[@danielappleton153]

Many players have lost their fingers after playing the piece in its entirety.....

[@AlexJamesGTV]

Daniel Appleton doesn't surprise me. :)

[@MileyRulz1234567]

My mom used to be able to play this before she got arthritis #tragic

[@sonjs3336]

Super glue

[@chrisbenna506]

Like 30+ years of piano technique

[@LenHummelChannel]

One of the greatest "mood-classical-masterpieces" EVER, ... played intensely and brilliantly. FLAWLESS ! thanks for uploading this.

[@biby2216]

The amount of concentration to play so fast and accurately is amazing. Well done Mr Gibbons. I salute you sir.

[@drb_physix]

I had the pleasure of listening to this pianist live (in Britain) in the mid 90s and he was and still is absolutely brilliant!

[@pavelusa]

No real sick as hell the best piano performance I ever here I am just jealous

[@SAlvarezJr25]

Amazing song. Amazing composer. Not to mention Jack Gibbons' playing. This guy was born to play piano.

[@JulieHeathers]

Truly EXTRAORDINARY Perfect Performance !!!!

[@AndyRedford]

Amazing....The guys brilliant!! I love this piece of music but have only ever enjoyed the full orchestral version of it prior to finding this solo version.

[@zforzorrito9846]

Whenever i hear this i think of the American flag flying high, fireworks on the 4th of july and my aunt's homemade apple pie... this music is a slice of American pie! For all of us, forever!

[@robe1712]

Gershwin only lived 38 years. And he became one of the best. composer. God bless him.

[@PaulRx4]

I spent too many years learning this and never being truly happy with its many styles that have to be perfect to sound right. Then to hear this perfect version! This is so good it is depressing, a fantastic performance!!!!! Compare this to at least 10 truly excellent versions, nothing is better. Love his Gershwin!

[@oliverdavidson8198]

I fainted and had to be resuscitated after watching this video. Amazing song. Amazing piano play.

[@TheSamara89kitten]

Yes, Gershwin was a genius, but it's great pianists like this who keep his music alive, let's not forget that ;-)

A fabulous piece of music masterly performed.

[@Mickey-bo6cv]

I cried

[@niklag]

this is the only video that actually comes close to the real gershwin

[@kennethclark1912]

This song has better harmony then Mozart and all the others. Thanks for watching.

[@Amy-Bo-Bamy]

This is a great rendition. This song should always be played slightly "off the rails" at parts, and he has definitely achieved that.

[@Mrphilharmonic]

I doubt whether Gershwin himself could have played it any better! Amazing performance. Very clean and well articulated. Good tempos. Brilliant!

[@MooreRiku]

Phenomenal. Just amazing. Enthralling

[@barbaramcelhiney5934]

No words. So beautiful. Speechless.

[@rugbyfan0025]

wowsers

[@rainman71265]

I learned to play this as a kid from my brother who won a silver medal is Dallas for playing it but nothing close to this. Pure 100% unadulterated focus

[@rogersmithpix]

just awesome ... a genius at work!

[@bands115]

- Now that is talent! Absolutely amazing...

[@riverrat614]

WOW. I just wanted a RiB fix and I got this - amazing. Being a pianist, I can definitely appreciate his fingers! *applause*

[@starcraft11100]

Powerful technical skills and creative interpretation.....I never grow tired of listening to Jack..I hope you share my enjoyment of the contemporary artist!

[@MichaelCGatesMusic]

Absolutely amazing just to be able to PLAY it, let alone write it. How can a human being write something this brilliant?

[@strafer8764]

I can’t imagine this being played any better.

[@ryanv414]

That United AIrlines theme song though. Very nice composition of a solo piano version of this piece

[@benjaminrodgers7440]

It is way more than just a theme song! Back in 1927 classical was the only accepted music for concert performances. George Gershwin proved that Jazz was a legitimate genre of music, and to say it bluntly--- caught the world with it's pants down.:)

[@ryanv414]

Yes. I especially love that beginning with the clarinet because I play clarinet myself. So yup! :) Awesome

[@benjaminrodgers7440]

ryanv414 You play clarinet? Sweet I need a proper intro to this song. (I play the piano)

[@ryanv414]

nice

[@chrisoh995]

this is amazing...

[@Bustynylonlady]

I love this guy he is so fantastic, I played it too, yes it is 30 pages long, a lot to memorize. This is my favorite piece it is so good. And you could see the enjoyment on his face and body.

[@thePurpleCigarette]

I love how he feels it :)

[@metoikos5]

Wow!!! Practice much Jack! :) That was ridiculously amazing... think I'll go and tourch my piano now lol :P

[@arang9156]

Holy.. Oh.. My.. God.... It's so fantastic enough to kill me

[@TheMultiprinceofpop]

Love this song. Jb is not real music. This is real music

[@kevinandbonnie]

If I had to go live on a desert island and could take only one musical recording, or if the earth was about to be hit by an asteroid and you could choose only one recording to send into outer space, this would be it. Superb.

[@kathythureen6502]

He is an outstanding musican.

[@bcbit01]

I keep hearing this genius word flying around. Genius is when your interpretation (different from the accepted form of the original) is soooooo good that the composer, had they heard it, would say, "Now THAT is how I should have written it!" I just don't see that here. Gibbons plays this VERY straight. I don't see anything innovative or especially creative in his rendition. Its just bloody fantastic and an absolute delight to listen to over and over again.

[@wsp67326]

barniv, 70 years have passed since Gershwin died; there is no copyright remaining that his estate would own. His works are now in the public domain.

[@humblebees_]

Now, one may be questioning, "Rhapsody in Blue? how can music have colour?" I present you this video. And welcome to the internet, we are glad to have you.

[@vaughna7779]

This gave me chills.

[@FALKG1]

one of my favorite songs ever!!

[@johnkellyatddo]

it sounds like george is at the piano!!!! your rendition is superb!! its just how i remeber it in my mind!!!!. thanks for a great rendition without da usual head shakes of the pretenders!!! im gona listen to u again!! jwk

[@foganava1108]

Que puedo decir? Creo que George está reencarnado en Jack!!! Merveilleux!!! Hector Navarro, Santa Fe, Argentina

[@xtop23]

jack is a marvel. brilliant performance

[@jorgepda]

this is great! love the piece and the arrangement.

[@outofhorderves]

His tone is fantastic.

[@dreambition27]

Just got goosebumps about a thousand times..

[@billpotts1251]

Brilliant!! Absolutely Brilliant!!

[@joshweinshank]

Absolutely mesmerizing.

[@rgjerde53]

I think there is room in this world for more than one genius. Gershwin certainly makes it for this, and the rest of the wonderful songs he wrote (and played). But, as a frustrated piano player (in other words, a really bad piano player) -- I know just enough to know that anyone who can play this good should also qualify as a genius. Whether he is or isn't, I still love listening to it.

[@charlesdavis5802]

Beautiful indépendant suspension of the hands. Maybe a little fast… but I can still see the lights of New York at night. Well done. Sent with love. CVD

[@maumau4033]

Brilliant in all possible ways!

[@robertczebotar7025]

Fantastic, absolutely brilliant 🍀🍀🍀

[@hollydmccormick9362]

Thank you for uploading this incredible performance.

[@hernangimenezroland4694]

Once you study you are gonna realize all the mistakes you are surely doing. like for example the position of the fingers, the passages, etc. The study of piano it never ends

[@XDPIECEOFSHITXD]

this is a very challenging piece to play and this guy didn't miss a single key and he memorized the whole i don't even know how pages of this song.

[@kinochdotcom]

that run going up at starting 2:53 makes me laugh it is just so sublime

[@expoers]

Great, the best performed of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue in piano solo,....... Thank you for share,.... Edd

[@wungabunga]

Incredible.