Rhapsody in Blue: How Gershwin broke the mold

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue is a unique genre-defying piece, it breaks all the rules, crosses all the boundaries and has remained massively popular despite regular getting a drubbing from the critics. In this video I take a look at what makes it tick.
⦿ Support the Channel on Patreon⦿
/ davidbruce
⦿Listen to my new album 'The North Wind was a Woman'⦿
Spotify: open.spotify.c...
Other services: smarturl.it/nor...
⦿ Follow me on Twitter⦿
/ davidbruce
⦿ Follow me on Instagram⦿
/ davidbrucecomposer
⦿David Bruce Composer Spotify Playlist⦿
tinyurl.com/y7...
⦿My 2nd KZbin Channel⦿
/ @dbc2
VIDEOS
How to play Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" opening clarinet solo
• How to play Gershwin's...
Swanee
• Swannee (Recorded 1920)
Gershwin's recording of the Rhapsody on piano roll
• George Gershwin - Rhap...
Leonard Bernstein performing
• George Gershwin - Rhap...
Original jazz band version
• Gershwin - Rhapsody in...
Modern performance of jazz band version:
• Rhapsody In Blue - Pau...

[@berniejii3739]

"If you're tired of Gershwin you're tired of life". Perfect summary.

[@siglerproductions]

no, just tired of New York

[@donaldsaigh8785]

@@siglerproductions He went way beyond New York. You can't incorporate black, Jewish, Russian, and classical influences and be thought of as expressing purely a New York sensibility.

[@TenMinuteTrips]

No, if you’re tired of Gershwin, you’ve spent the last thirty years working for United Airlines.

[@obamna666]

Donald Saigh yes you can, those all exist in New York

[@donaldsaigh8785]

@@obamna666 They may exist in N.Y. but they do not reflect a solely N.Y. sound. The black influence came originally from New Orleans. The Russian and Jewish influence is the result of Gershwin's familial tradition, and the classical influence comes from Europe. Listen to the score of "Porgy and Bess" and tell me that it gives you a metropolitan New York feel.

[@reiddillashaw2383]

Call it what you want, Rhapsody In Blue remains one of my favorite pieces of music. I've been listening to it for many decades, and it still moves me like it always has.

[@tianaplantssart_6209]

I’m so excited that rhapsody in blue went to public domain. So many people are going to start playing it more.

[@fox-school-of-music]

Yay for public domain!

[@charlescoleman5509]

People should perform pieces because they're good. Not because they're free.

[@jhfkhjgfytuctyduyt]

@@charlescoleman5509, that's true but many times there are pieces that you want to perform but cannot because it is not free. Now that won't happen with this song

[@milesdrambus]

I thought it has to be written over 100 years ago for it to be public domain? It was written in 1924.

[@crono2366]

@@milesdrambus Date of publication + 95 years

[@NotJonJost]

I just had the thought that maybe the "jazziest" aspect of Rhapsody In Blue might just be it's resilience to rearrangement and re-editing that Bernstein noted as a flaw in it. It feels like it says something about the piece as a unified but modular whole that you could do as he said and just cut or re-arrange pieces and it's still Rhapsody in Blue. There's the improvisation or at least extemporaneous aspect of Jazz brought into the score-worship Classical aspect. Or something like that.

[@luchadorito]

I was just going to put a timestamp where he talks about it and write “Yea It’s settled its jazz as fuck” but you said it better

[@TchaikovskyFDR]

I think it also hammers home the New York aspect too. New York is New York, distinct and true above most cities. For you can take bits and pieces out, look at New York every decade, and its still New York.

[@waynemagin2554]

It's like a hologram one piece can recreate the memory of the whole. Namaste

[@dkemil]

I don't think bernstein is right. Maybe if you forced all of the themes into 1 key but then a lot of sections wouldn't fit in. I would imagine he most likely tried to do it, since he is a great man. But I think he would have changed some things to make them fit together.

[@harleyarrants4993]

I’m 70....I remember vividly how, in a 7th grade “Music Appreciation” class, the opening clarinet part grabbed me by the throat, and laser-focused my attention on the rest of the piece....Few musical performances transport me the way “Rhapsody in Blue” does....Thank you, David, for taking me along on this examination....Rhapsody in Blue is, and will alway be, a place I can go to be motivated, calmed and thrilled, as I listen....

[@Blue-ff2qv]

I'm 20 years behind you and still regularly listen and then have a text conversation with my sister about what I just heard. Always something new.

[@GordonMBSC2009]

Gershwin actually did record a 15-16 minute version of Rhapsody In Blue. It was done on the (IIRC) Duo-Art Piano Roll. The Duo-Art not only recorded the notes, but also the intensity with which the performer played them. That recording is on the 2LP collection Gershwin by Gershwin. Probably one of the best recordings of the Rhapsody, IMO.

[@TallPaulInKy]

Yes I noticed that mistake in the video also. The piano roll was the only medium, other than maybe movie film, on which he could record a full version. In recent years Michael Tilson Thomas used the Gershwin piano roll as a basis for a jazz band recording of the Rhapsody In Blue. So finally Gershwin's playing is heard in modern stereo. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-0f6R9nM6Nia8

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

The Rhapsody is one of those pieces that is so wonderful you never get tired of listening to it. I have been enjoying it for 78 years and every time feels fresh, engaging, and alive. Gershwin was an amazing genius...much misunderstood and under appreciated except by those without prejudice. Hey, Schoenberg loved his music and Arnold knew a thing or two about composition. This video hints at the underlying glue that holds the whole thing together. We must remember this is not a concerto but a rhapsody and as such succeeds masterfully. Gershwin had an excellent ear and amazing hands and this is the result of that potent synergy.

[@donaldsaigh8785]

Are you related to Edward Jablonsky, Gershwin's foremost biographer?

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

@@donaldsaigh8785 Everyone knows one Jablonsky. It is a name that is just rare enough for people to inquire if I am related to the Jablonsky they know...and in every case the answer is negative. In the world of music there are two Steve Jablonskys who are both composers. One writes music for TV and movies and the other is a professor of music theory and composition at the City College of New York. If you are curious you can check out my KZbin channel. I have lots of good stuff posted there.

[@mmasque2052]

What Rhapsody in Blue does is take you on a driving tour of New York City. All these amazing stories but you’re only catching snippets of each. Just enough that you know something is happening but not fully what it is and you’re whisked off to another story. And it does it again and again. In the end, you’ve never heard a single, full story yet you’ve gained a true picture of the city and her people. There’s very little else that truly compares to it. A work of pure genius that other musical geniuses can’t fully replicate.

[@macronencer]

Whether it's a "composition" or not, it's one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. It never fails to stir my soul.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Great video as always David! I never realised the history behind this piece. Similar videos on other great works would be great!

[@BlackTomorrowMusic]

I always loved Rhapsody in Blue. It always felt like the perfect bridge between classical and jazz. And the modular nature of the song just makes it that much cooler.

[@JoshuaWillis89]

As a piano concerto, Rhapsody in Blue is a masterwork. It’s so inventive and technically challenging yet exhilarating and evocative.

[@James_Bowie]

I well recall first hearing Rhapsody in Blue as a kid in a movie on TV and was blown away by it.

[@atimholt]

Was it Gremlins 2?

[@James_Bowie]

@@atimholt No, more likely the 1945 movie Rhapsody in Blue. Such movies were on lunchtime TV when I was a kid.

[@jamesscottvideos]

You mean, lots of wind?

[@cohese]

Beaming up the coast on the clear channel at night to Seattle, my Mom would listen to the Ira Blue talk show on KGO 810 AM from San Francisco. This would have been the late 1960's. Ira used Rhapsody in Blue as his theme music for my introduction. Between Ira's voice and off beat topics, the spooky mystery of the long distance radio, and especially the Love Theme from Rhapsody in Blue, the combination was mesmerizing.

[@aleclynch6186]

The Rhapsody in Blue animation from Fantasia 2000 was a real highlight of that movie

[@ByzantineCalvinist]

Thanks for the mention of klezmer. When I listen to the earliest recordings, I hear something of this influence in the piece. The European Jewish influence in American popular music was huge in the first half of the twentieth century, but it declined after the Second World War. I would love to hear a recording of the Rhapsody that highlighted this element more clearly.

[@Lantanana]

I am 67. When I was 6 years old child, my mother would play rhapsody in blue using her 78 record and a record player! I have always loved that song!!!

[@ErebosGR]

Adam Neely's next video: "Microtonal Rhapsody in Blue"

[@noviatoria2436]

In 5/8 of course

[@iosifmirea3203]

Don't give me hope

[@bonniejunk]

vaguely balkan

[@anon8740]

@@bonniejunk with djent elements

[@neighbourhoodegglet3231]

Anon and don’t forget the lick

[@monkface]

Boy this is great! Fun fact-the library of congress a few years ago had a Gershwin exhibit with many of his personal affects including his piano which against all rules, I reached over the railing and touched!! This immediately set of alarms and a loud (prerecorded?) voice announcing "DO NOT TOUCH!" But hey, I did it!!

[@picksalot1]

One of my favorite pieces of music. A work of musical, intellectual, and virtuosic sophistication and genius. Every version I've heard of it sounds authentic, and that speaks to the greatness that is Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. 😎

[@ukestudio3002]

Whoa ..really well said !

[@sitearm]

ok so: great high-quality video embeds of bands and orchestras old and new, as usual, great comments and insights, as usual, OMG I love the toy hand playing color-dot keys!!, erm.. great extracts of commentary by other composers, as usual, OMG he's making cutout-animations of Gershwin, erm.. a truly well-composed pre-recorded videophonic communication... as usual : )

[@scottrobbins3494]

I'm not so sure about the pointer hand's technique, though!

[@LostInThe0zone]

Not being a musician, I have never been privy to an extensive analysis of the piece. But certainly, as an American whose life has spanned 2/3 the life of the piece, I am very familiar with it. It never occurred to me that there could be many who could be critical of it, so I have to say that I am pleased to have heard my first serious analysis here.

[@stephenrangel847]

I've felt for most of my 70 years that this work is the finest preformance of truly American Modern Clasical Soul.

[@scottjohnson9912]

I was a french horn player in High School and we did all of Gershwin's works , Porgy and Bess , American in Paris and finally in my Sr year Rapsody in Blue. Took first place at the Rio Honda college Wind Ensemble contest that year . R. I. P Mr Bruce Giford . You touched many young lives and I think you saved me . I absolutely loved playing Gershwin. He was a genius .

[@dkemil]

If you are new to Gershwin, remember to also check out his other compositions written in the same manner. Rhapsody in Blue is the most well known but you might like the others equally.

[@SwiWasTaken]

Ah, Rhapsody in Blue, or "Hey man, Rhapsody in Blue isn't the ONLY clarinet piece you can warm up with." I've always wanted to dig into this piece, it just seems like it always has something new, despite being nearly 100 years old!

[@ChristChickAutistic]

Honestly, I'm a fan of the OG clarinet from the 1924 recording. Bernstein called it "a cat in heat" and I disagree, it's always seemed like it's laughing it's ass off, and not just the beginning, but throughout the piece. Just my two cents, lol!

[@zogzog1063]

"Joys contradictions disappointments ..." and the rest of the commentary. Wow. Double WOW! David Bruce: if this is the attention you pay to an occasional piece in the repertoire then you are the successor to ... I dunno ... DF Tovey at least. You do a great service to humanity in that you present and you show the joy and you engender the humanity and you present the happiness of art to the Y'tube community. Appreciated! !!

[@ruthhellkamp926]

My all time favorite piece............in fact i left a message in my Will to have the Love Theme played as people leave the chapel. IT'S MY MUSIC......IT IS LIKE A SMALL CAPSULE OF WHAT I AM ALL ABOUT.

[@tsbulmer]

As much as I love Gershwin, the pointy stick was my favorite part.

[@Jon-Mark_W]

Anyone who calls Gershwin’s work flawed or incomplete is simply jealous. Rhapsody In Blue is a musical Treasure. It’s played on airplanes and in commercials in or on many other places. It’s Classical and Jazz to me. The best of both worlds. Now today we know jazz is the most blendable style of music there is. Gershwin was probably the first to see this! Since then people fused jazz with rock, and soul, rap and even country. Gershwin has never left my mind and I’m always glad to revisit it and learn more about it everytime I hear it. Thanks for the video!

[@icyyy_sg3682]

I love the Fantasia animations for Rhapsody In Blue. So awesome

[@timmmahhhh]

Yes, this. Fantastic representation.

[@nakenmil]

I've loved Rhapsody in Blue ever since I heard it in a Tom & Jerry short as a little kid.

[@jerrythemouse28]

I don't think this music was ever played in Tom and Jerry, only some tones were similar to the musics that were played in some episodes of TOJ, but if you've ever flown United Airlines, you probably have heard this music in their safety video or some of their advertisements. Here's the safety video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXe9lnaNls6bhMk

[@ProfessorBeautiful]

I will echo praise you'll read below for Oscar Levant's playing. His performance had a feverish barely-in-control feeling that slayed me when I was a kid ... back in the late 50's.

[@RalphDratman]

This is a wonderful video. Thank you! I have been longing for a merger of jazz and classical music, along the lines of what Gershwin (and Grofe) did, for most of my life, ever since I first heard one of those orchestrated versions of Rhapsody in Blue on about six 78 sides, played on a gramophone (wind up, no electricity involved). The Dave Brubeck/Leonard Bernstein album "Bernstein Plays Brubeck Plays Bernstein" attempted some of that combination in the 1960s, with mixed success. The tune "Maria" from West Side Story, jazzified, is a favorite of mine from that collaboration. By the way, that singer near the beginning is Al Jolson, not Johnson.

[@AndromedaCripps]

Ralph Dratman I can't believe I haven't heard of that album! I also love Maria as a jazz piece; however the version I know is from a bossa nova album. It's really sublime!

[@RalphDratman]

@@AndromedaCripps Which bossa nova album?

[@AndromedaCripps]

Ralph Dratman It's a Si Zentner album- I think it's called Bossa Nova Beat or Desafinado (or both). Definitely recommend it!

[@RalphDratman]

@@AndromedaCripps Thanks -- I will look for it.

[@kirbyculp3449]

Good comment, I will look for it.

[@allenjones3130]

This is the ultimate fusion of jazz and classical music.

[@k.j.mcelrath3627]

Good analysis, but I'm not sure that Gerswhin completely "broke the mold." Perhaps more accurate to say that he took existing forms - primarily rondo and theme and variations - stretched them to their limits and combining them in new ways in the form of a concertino. More like what Beethoven did with 18th-Century Classical music, I think...but I suppose the only thing two music theorists ever agree on is how a third one got it wrong XD

[@AriannaCunningham]

This video actually explains everything about Gershwin's amazing masterpiece very well! Since the piece itself is public domain, I ended up making my own 2024 orchestra arrangement of it that contains mostly 1924 influences + other favorite interpretations/performances that were inspired.

[@lindacuster1328]

I love all Gershwin songs! I feel all kinds of emotions when I hear his songs!!

[@quentinkain4367]

me: *displays astounding knowledge of the intricacies of rhapsody in blue* every girl within a 100 mile radius: 16:27

[@austinwakeman89]

The beginning of this piece always brings me to tears. The clarinet glissando is so *chef's kiss*

[@danielhahn7329]

As music lover who hasn't got a traditional musical education, I find your videos insanely digestable and I actually understand what you're putting down. So helpful. Just an AWESOME video!

[@crestofhonor2349]

My first time hearing this song was in Fantasia 2000 and it became my most favorite song from the movie. Pines of Rome and Firebird Suite are my other favorite pieces in that film

[@WaterShowsProd]

I'll bet Roy Disney, and his uncle Walt, would be happy to know that. The idea of Fantasia was bring this music to people for them to enjoy. I'd hoped Fantasia 2000 would be followed by another instalment, but sadly, just like the original 1940 edition, it became more of a curio in the Disney archives. I was really happy that they included Rhapsody In Blue in Fantasia 2000.

[@seekingwisdom8]

Our symphony has performed Rhapsody in Blue and Firebird Suite together 3 separate times since 1986. I listened to the first performance on the radio, but was in attendance for the performance in the 1990s and in 2016. Having the extreme pleasure of hearing both pieces performed live was fantastic. I’ve attended many popular rock concerts by bands that have composed decent songs. In small theaters and in stadiums where thousands of fans cheer crazily for the performers, yet, not a single one comes close to the emotional thrills of these two pieces performed by a great symphony live.

[@poilaaliop]

Same here! Fantasia 2000 may be a forgotten piece, but it made me fall in love with music as a kid. Rhapsody in Blue was one of my favourites too, it's a superb piece of storytelling that I've only come to appreciate more the older I've grown and the more I've learned about the piece and the composer. I hope Disney make another Fantasia someday.

[@andrewgavinmusic9014]

Gershwin is my all time favorite composer and inspiration!!! thank you for this!

[@JuanPedroSouza]

Great video! You reminded me of Argentinian composer Gerardo Gandini, who said that academic and popular music are completely different, separate things and that there is no possible mixture of them. After speaking about this in an interview, he mentions Gershwin as a possible exception to the rule.

[@maikedulk]

I love all kinds of music, but only Gershwin can have me completely spellbound in a second. Two chords or three notes can take my breath away and move me to tears, while I rack my brain how the hell he pulls that off time and again. Astonishing and delightful. Thanks for the video, it’s a joy to watch (as always) - I must have missed it when you published it originally.

[@markwalters8799]

Quite possibly the best 15 minutes of instrumental music in American history.

[@Pogueconductor]

It is my fav song. I get chills every time I hear that clarinet

[@kimrsns7363]

This video randomly popped up in my feed - and what a blessing that was! David Bruce is a good teacher who shared details about this piece that were new to me. It is for videos like this that KZbin was created! Thank you for sharing your insight with all of us!

[@chrisbradley1192]

I first heard this on an episode of "Top Cat" (aka "Boss Cat" in the UK) when I was a small kid. I was enraptured by it.

[@maximsamarov4190]

Basically, every part of Rhapsody in Blue sounds like an intro to the next section, which, in turn, sounds like an intro to the following section etc. till the end. He keeps playing with the listener's expectations, never fulfilling them, but all of the material is so tuneful, that the listener doesn't seem to mind. A composer of Classical or Romantic era would use the straight up aaba form (also known as rounded binary) as a part of a larger form; the way classical forms work that such song forms are interspersed and connected by less stable structures.

[@artgriggs3062]

Thank you for creating and posting this video. Raised on Gershwin, I first heard the Rhapsody at a tender age via my parents' WWII era 78 records. (Rhapsody arranger Ferde Grofe and my father were acquainted.) Your deconstruction of the work is intelligent and cogent. You've given me a much better understanding of why I love the work.

[@Entoron055]

So interesting, how I can rewatch some your videos without boredom. There is so much details and interesting arrangements. Rhapsody in Blue actually opened the window to „classical“ music for me on an emotional (listening for pure enjoyment) level

[@RadeticDaniel]

The ability to just shift bars around or start/stop at seemingly random points in each one explains why I remembered so many videogames themes from the 8 and 16bits era while listening to it. It is amazing the power of a piece like this and to think it echos so far forward without a clear connection to newer audiences Before today I've only know Gershwin through a Benny Goodman performance of "Gershwin Medley" =)

[@JustinOhio]

13:00 I like how you go in and show how some parts are connected to others or "hinted at" (I like to say.) This reminds me of many modern progressive rock concept albums...They mostly all do this and it's one of the reasons I have so much appreciation for them. (Especially Neal Morse and Dream Theater concept albums). Great video!

[@LTEMusic1997]

Arrangement by Liquid Tension Experiment Album: LTE3 (April 16, 2021)

[@joannerichards1750]

I've just watched the video of Bernstein performing "Rhapsody..." with the NY Philharmonic in 1976 - it was exquisite (I cried a loving tear)! I'm astonished that among the audience at the premiere were Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Sousa, and Willie "The Lion" Smith. Gershwin created an immortal piece, and yes, we are grateful.

[@Yesh77777]

Dude, Gershwin is cool.

[@gregghanson6095]

Spread the word, Ryley. Your generation needs to know.

[@yoshicchiyoshi8370]

Awee, ofcourse Yesh. :')

[@JohannesWiberg]

Beginning of video: "Hm, wonder if David has moved to New York?" End of video: "Nope, that's very much still Britain".

[@fabrisse7469]

Al Jolson, not Jonson. I'm not a huge fan of Bernstein's version. I love the Oscar Levant version recorded in the early 1950s. He also had the advantage of knowing Gershwin. Any chance we could get an analysis of American in Paris?

[@GUAMANIANable]

When I was a small boy my parents had Oscar Levant's version on an album of 78s. I remember listening to it and wondering why I liked it so much. I sensed that its sophistication was beyond my years and was puzzled over my attraction to it.

[@WaterShowsProd]

Oscar Levant playing anything is just pure musical magic. I'm sure he could have recorded a monumental rendition of Row-Row-Row Your Boat.

[@wyatthumphreys4046]

WAIT A WEEK AGO??? Dude this is such a perfect timing you have no idea. Thank you

[@composer7325]

I love your videos and keep returning to them.Thank you,David.

[@tomcunniffe7435]

I'm surprised that you didn't mention the 1976 Columbia recording, in which Gershwin's piano roll version was recorded with a Whiteman-sized jazz band playing the original jazz orchestra version. Michael TIlson Thomas conducted. Still one of my favorite recordings of this work.

[@wingracer1614]

My favorite as well.

[@kirbyculp3449]

Good comment, I will look for it, thanks.

[@jennamedlyn]

We are talking about this piece in my music history class tomorrow. Now I will be even more prepared. Thank you

[@mysticmouse7261]

If you've never been to New York as soon as you hear the Rhapsody you have experienced its soul.

[@jamesschallercmp5382]

Thank you David for your inspirational , funny, 'edutaining' videos.

[@giovannicabrini8457]

The timing for the release of this video is incredible! I'll have a live show all based on Gershwin the 28th of this month and you just uploaded an analysis of Rhapsody in Blue (which, by the way, will be the opening piece). Great and in-depth pieces of information here, I'll treasure them. Oh, it'll be a rearranged jazz trio gig, so we chose the dark (or should I say blue..?) side for this piece lol

[@radioguy1667]

This video is as long as the piece itself... you bloody genius

[@wichitazen]

The critics have missed it entirely.....this music is pure joy....my mom loved Gershwin and I was introduced to this piece by her as a very young lad...what good fortion.

[@danceteras2884]

So, hear me out. To me, those aren't just loosley connected themes. What I hear is all a big "joke". This song always teases you. It teases you with the big moment you had in the beginning, and when you feel like it's coming, it pulls the rug from under your feet and goes to a tangent. And each time the joke becomes more and more proposterous. That's where I personally find the genius of this piece. The edging. The anticipation. The humour in it. It's a trully complete piece.

[@evanever]

Gershwin loved edging I guess

[@deanbarnat6984]

Fantastic lecture on one of the greats! (composers and masterpiece tunes). Great work David!

[@willemkossen]

that is one of the pieces that made me choose clarinet as a kid. havent played it in years. but great to be reminded.

[@johnstjohn4705]

Thank you so much for explaining my favorite musical piece. I have to listen to it periodically. From now on, I will better understand why I love it.

[@charleshudson5330]

What a marvelous video. On all counts. As beautifully done as the composition itself.

[@peterhansen5804]

Thank you, David Bruce - very inspiring introduction to Rhapsody in Blue. Especially your refernce to Klezmer is very insightful. :-)

[@paherbst524]

listening to the full piece always brings tears to my eyes... love the ending. perfect.

[@grazianocooper2061]

Excellent lecture, well prepared and thought out with insight and plentiful information.

[@asmunddahlin1603]

When talking about AABA form, David uses a drum fill with toms playing on two alternating toms in that same pattern. Nice.

[@billcook4768]

Thanks so much for this. I'm especially glad you didn't gloss over the role arrangers and orchestrators and even musicians have played in shaping the piece as we know it. Would *love* for you, as a composer, to talk more about the role these people play in shaping music. Finally, I think it worth nothing that Bernstein, despite any criticism of the piece, is more responsible than anybody for placing Rhapsody solidity in the classical cannon. And if you ask me, nobody has ever played the piano solos with more life and passion than Bernstein.

[@jakeellerbrake756]

The details in the editing are fantastic

[@fredakamine4907]

a wonderfully illustrated analysis of Gershwin's classic. It is densely populated with historical asides, incisive observations and genuinely affectionate moments. Thank you,.

[@mhduhastmich13]

This video is so appropiate, tomorrow i have an orchestra rehearsal where we will work on this piece. I play second violin

[@ReverendRicktaScale]

Great breakdown of this timeless piece. In final analysis ,melody is king. The melodies allow the arranger to improvise ,but still be recognized as Rhapsody in Blue. I love the nicknames to the melodies!

[@douglasjensen8986]

Your little special effects were icing on the cake of an excellent explanation.

[@PKelleyMusic]

Well done Mr. Bruce. Im just a Singer/Songwriter from Texas but I really dig your channel and the vids ya put out, sir... I learn something cool every time...

[@ukestudio3002]

Love Steve king’s version on solo guitar ..he’s quite amazing.

[@Mistgabel]

Really enjoyed the video as always

[@danwaldis4553]

One of my all-time favorite compositions! This is a brilliant commentary on Rhapsody In Blue! An excellent analysis of the thematic material, and wonderful observations about the styles in the piece! I once used it in an 'intro to music' class and gave students an assignment to find particular themes throughout the piece. You have brought more depth to it for me! Thank you!

[@davesax11]

Wonderful analysis. The Rhapsody led me to jazz at 13. It endures and evolves. Its timeless and organic.

[@RedDogMamaHD]

Timing is everything. I was listening to an old Miles Davis song (It never entered my Mind --Rogers and Hart), and this video popped up in the list of those to autoplay ... (which is turned off!) But I LOVE Rhapsody in Blue so I had to watch. My Mom had the piano music, and my older sister used to play it (she passed away in 1968 at the age of 16). This has always been a very special song to me, and I loved your analysis of the piece! Yes: Liked, Subscribed, and "clicked the Liberty Bell" so I can watch more of your reviews!

[@synergist-media]

Thanks so much, I was fascinated to hear the colorful details of how exactly Gershwin broke the mold with Rhapsody in Blue - and from someone clearly and happily committed to the routine mistreatment of molds. (I've seen many examples since I started watching your videos, but the freshest is your closing Rhapsody in Gray walkabout. I don't know why I loved it so. But if I head over to your Patreon page, can we help get you a proper rain hat?)

[@TristanMA]

A piece that appeared in Fantasia 2000, alongside Respighi's Pines of Rome of 10 months later.

[@erichstocker4173]

Love how you explain complex musical pieces and styles. This one and your flamenco video appeal to me the most but all your stuff is great!

[@FVD]

Doug Halverson brought me to your channel, after his reaction to the latest rendition of Rhapsody in Blue, covered brilliantly and quite faithfully by the Progressive Supergroup - Liquid Tension Experiment. Looking forward to being educated more on the classic pieces. Subscribed!

[@LTEMusic1997]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5zVi5uHgalsaLs

[@ernestoferreri]

fine video! as for the Rhapsody's formal weakness- it does not exist, it's a myth, and there is no other work like it... Cuts have been made in Stravinsky, Bernstein and a host of others but no one uses that as a reason to say the forms are flawed. Gershwin is a treasure and one the USA's best composers.

[@angiematas]

4:28 loved the detail of the smoke xD Great video! I'm not even a new yorker and I've loved this piece for years! (thanks to disney). It was about time that someone made such a good analysis of it. Thanks!

[@marcelbruinsma]

I say; who cares if it's broken or flawed. It's a fantastic piece of work that's a joy to listen to and it's timeless.

[@RicardoAGuitar]

To that point, great people immortalized in history are all flawed, many of whom are broken

[@LanceClark]

Thank you for analyzing one of my most favorite pieces since childhood

[@DavidBadilloMusic]

Thank you for this very interesting analysis of this masterpiece! "Rhapsody in Blue" holds a special place in my memories as a musician because my first ever listening to a live orchestra was with this piece being performed. After that experience I knew I was in love with music and I wanted to become a musician. Thank you again!

[@Torch315]

Wonderful commentary and analysis! The combination of commentary and production is superb.

[@kencrowe100]

after all these years I finally understand Rhapsody in Blue..great explanation!

[@juliecaron7569]

I loved your video, it is so iinteresting from beginning to end and the visuals are fantastic. I understand better the structure and the history of the piece. Thank you!

[@alexjevincent]

Wonderful analysis and history; the demonstration of melodic fragmentation was really helpful and thought provoking. Loved the plastic hand pointer - I wonder how many attempts at that you had!

[@hartzell7407]

"Al Johnson?" That's as bad as, "George, and his lovely wife, Ira."