Academy Symphony Orchestra performs Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

Edward Gardner conducts the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra for George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with soloist Adrian Brendel.

[@athriftygoddess6501]

That clarinet player is having the best day of his goddamn life.

[@exclusivemax3101]

No wonder!

[@garymcdonald]

Brendle is no slouch either.

[@forbiddenfursona]

so is the principal trumpet player lol

[@MRSomethin1]

totally

[@nickm2890]

As is proper! Very few clarinetists get to play this, and far fewer get to play the solo. I got lucky and got to perform the solo at a regional concert, and that's easily one of the highlights of my musical career. Brilliant performance! Personally feel it could have used more vibrato from the embouchure, but that's 100% personal preference.

[@AlanHope2013]

The biggest moment in any clarinnetist's life. And he done it rightly.

[@tracymcmillan1466]

Absolutely. That soaring clarinet never gets old.

[@justinw4514]

He's probably played it thousands of times. Every clarinetist incorporates it into their warm up, just because it's so damn fun.

[@garancebosc8801]

Funny because the soaring clarinet intro was actually not in the original written piece but was a warmup from the clarinetist and it was just so good that they kept it through time!

[@boriswilsoncreations]

@@garancebosc8801 wow I didn't knew that, that's is awesome! 😂😂😂

[@estarguarsfilms2843]

I cant tell you how may times I look for another version of this song after that intro is botched

[@JPDC624]

Wait... it just hit me that these are STUDENTS including the pianist. I was marveling on how young the orchestra looked. Bravo isn't enough.

[@steverichard8198]

Awesome, isn't it???

[@nardshappydaddy]

Wow really? Thought they've been playing those keys for decades! 👏👏

[@jackmorris4821]

I am 94 years of age and have listened to dozens of interpretations of this magnificent piece of music. This performance by Adrien Brendle is one of the finest ! Played with such verve! I will play it many times more!

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Sir, I hope you are still listening. This is so stunning I just shake my head at the thought that these folks are actually still students & not professional musicians

[@jackmorris4821]

@@miamidolphinsfan Still listening Kevin at least once a week..never tire of Gershwin!

[@miamidolphinsfan]

@@jackmorris4821 yes sir good for you !!! So glad this is here for you to enjoy sir !

[@Stroggdorr]

Im 24 and im just getting to know this piece now, im learning another gerschwin piece on piano from teaching myself during this pandemic

[@susanlynnzabbo266]

I too....do agree ....one of the finest performances ...if not the best ever I have heard .... and I do love it so...been a few years since I last searched it out. I just had a craving to hear it again (Rhapsody in Blue ) and this one was so truly wonderful ! Thank you to the fabulous musicians...... and hope I live to hear it again at 94 years of age !

[@cassholevania5199]

As a clarinet player, that first note makes my heart sing. Man this orchestra and soloists played this piece to perfection!!!

[@RoyalAcademyofMusic]

Thank you! ☺

[@cassholevania5199]

@@RoyalAcademyofMusic You're very welcome!!!

[@TheDisneyLover58]

Woodwind unite!

[@ninamatthews8747]

Even though trumpets are the superior instrument I do love the beginning of this. Of course when the trumpet comes in with his solo he wipes the floor clean, 🥰

[@cassholevania5199]

@@ninamatthews8747 My best friend plays trumpet! We're in our mid 30's now but I'll never forget when somebody accidentally hit her trumpet in 7th grade while she was playing. She had braces at the time... She still kept first chair though!

[@gmatthewb]

The three violinists sitting behind the pianist have the most amazing array of expressions as they watch the pianist play...

[@jeffrichards4851]

Signs of lust????

[@fidelcastro9112]

@@jeffrichards4851 , No, perhaps signs of envy! Haha!

[@ponceemilette]

I am interpreting it as extreme admiration to the great ability of the pianist. And look how that lady on his left side stared at him. She was simply carried away.

[@dylancraven3979]

The Three Musketeers of Music?

[@davidhelmer149]

I sensed annoyance at the extreme over improvisation. Maybe the conductor asked him to change tempo and dynamics a lot but it kind of dragged at some points. A great performance but the pianist greatly strayed from the pacing and tone of the original.

[@Cytochromeb]

There are just some musical pieces that move your spirit. This is one of them.

[@fernandomacias3735]

CAROL CRAWFORD I SING YOUR SONG-NEIL DIAMON... "SWEET CAROLINE" GREETINGS!!! 🌷 GOD BLESS AMERICA !!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Cytochromeb]

Fernando Macías 😊

[@chardelleblasberg9272]

I first really noticed Rhapsody in Blue when I was working for United Airlines, and they used it for their commercials. Gershwin’s piece seemed absolutely perfect in marrying the buzz of Manhattan with the exuberance of travel. However, only after seeing this amazing performance with the young peoples’ expressions of determination mixed with joy… only after viewing this (over and over and over) could I really, clearly, and deeply feel the diversity of each instrument, the complexity needed to produce such glorious sound, and the genius of Gershwin. I will NEVER again hear Rhapsody in Blue without remembering the extreme talent Adrian Brendle and all of these young people brought to this triumphant performance. Overwhelming!

[@eyarbroughzone]

The kids are putting so much emotion into their playing. It just sounds young played by this orchestra. Full of life and energy. Perfect.

[@LinaDesireeDiaz]

Just for the record in longevity: Today it's June the 1st 2020, there is a pandemic going on in the world, it's 22:59 pm and I'm listening to one of the greatest pieces of music ever written by humanity.

[@sindysimms4001]

That was amazing, makes life good.

[@GR40RACER]

It is truly amazing and even more so when you read the history of the composer and his composition. I do not often reference Wikipedia but they do offer a good account, I recommend that you read it if interested. My best to you and yours during these trying times. GR

[@MAC-ws8fz]

No it's not! It's June 5th at 21:08! At least it is here in the deserts of Southern California!

[@Tolandiel]

rachmaninoff piano concerto no 2 - my fave

[@Havanorange]

Sydney Marcotte no link?

[@jeffreykaufman8990]

This IS the greatest piece of American music EVER written

[@rubyrubenstahl827]

I've never had an answer to what my favorite song is. It dawned on me today that Rhapsody has to be it. It is American music history past, present and future distilled into 17 minutes of pure joy.

[@alilong5225]

The orchestra was fabulous, but Adrian Brendle has touched my heart with his brilliant version of Rhapsody in Blue! This, by far, is the best version to me. I watch his hands, and he has given me inspiration to continue playing, even though arthritis & a nicked tendon in my right hand slows me down, but my enthusiasm for his music has grown appreciably. BTW, I m 83 now & wish to play Rhapsody to perfection because of his performance!

[@texastinman7639]

I always preferred the version with Andre Previn, but this was vey good, as well.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

Very encouraging. I am 67 and altho I have not played piano in years believe it's buried somewhere within.Lord grant me a Knabe, a Boesendorfer, or a Steinway. My digits are as eager as a newly minted Democrat.

[@stitch_in_woodstock]

You are so right. Watching his hands go so fast. Lots and lots of practice. Am a George Gershwin fan, love the movie about his life, love his music, just a genius. He died too soon.

[@peacebe2u480]

Ali, U dont think Lenny Bernstein good enough with his performance? He played n conducting at the same time.

[@capacityglobe2373]

Beautiful, godspeed!

[@amcalabrese1]

This is probably the single greatest piece of American music ever written.

[@alan.hodges7246]

I totally agree.

[@vmdp8790]

How about some JAZZ Heh this is nice

[@KJ_Wynn]

Nakano Lemon I mean there is a jazz version of this and it’s fantastic kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHeXl2N-jqh9Z5o

[@puertecitos6888]

amcalabrese1, agreed, maybe the greatest piece of music ever written. My favorite atleast

[@shermanpeabody6102]

But it will long remember as background music for United Airlines commercial

[@aasteban]

I’ve listened to Rhapsody in Blue all my 70 years. I’ve heard numerous renditions from a variety of orchestras and other performers, but I’ve never heard and watched such astounding brilliance exhibited here by the pianist, conductor and those other youthful and talented musicians of the Royal Academy of Music. . . Agreed! The spirit of George Gershwin is alive and well in these talented musicians. BRAVO!

[@lizabethrobison4566]

Ditto from a 71 year old!

[@nestorcarvalho8550]

I'm just 66, but I agree to every word!

[@joyceherrmannharte2987]

I completely agree. I'm 81 and this is the best I've heard. Is this on CD?

[@360fishingadventures8]

I'm 14 and I also agree

[@Sunspot1225.]

72 years. And Canadian Sunset.

[@mikeguthrie5432]

Now, in July of '22, STILL the absolute best rendition of Gershwin's "Rhapsody" I have ever heard! Thank you Royal Academy of Music yet again for your Magnificent work!

[@RoyalAcademyofMusic]

Thank you for your kind words, Mike.

[@nyobnyob9986]

I played a recording of Rhapsody at my late wife's funeral. Rita once told me one of the schools she went to as a child growing up in NYC was a school name, George Gershwin. So as a tribute to her I played a recording of Gershwin's most iconic piece of New York. RIP Rita.

[@tba113]

My condolences on your loss.

[@square-dealsam9102]

Everytime I hear it, Rhapsody in Blue makes me glad I'm alive.

[@1wackyjackie]

I totally agree. This makes me happy to be a human.

[@susanwilliams7062]

I’m watching this performance while isolated due to COVID-19. In a world so grim, Rhapsody in Blue brings such joy.

[@dewhittjames]

And everytime I hear it makes me cry it's so beautiful.

[@cgm2086]

@@dewhittjames me too!!

[@ruaidhrischultz4558]

I enjoyed listening to Rhapsody in Blue on my family's phonograph as a young boy in the 1940's. Today, I'm lucky to not only listen but also to watch a beautiful performance. It's exciting!

[@rivernet62]

Let’s have a moment for the camera crew and editor, who caught and showed the pianist’s intent laser focus on the conductor 👍

[@JoelApplegate]

The cinematography was outstanding. It caught the orchestra perfectly in all the right moments, including a shot where all the players seem to sway in unison. Sight and sound were thrilling all around!

[@cheerp7313]

Mark Jones Thanks for pointing it out. How thoughtful of you! Watched this a few times and I remain moved and in awe.

[@FireOfTheDrgon]

when i am listening to this masterpiece i feel like i am flying over new york and passing in all major tourist spots including the subway.

[@williamaul9165]

@Samuel Smith David Ogilvy selected this song for United Airlines! And what a delightful selection!

[@jamiemcmullan6890]

that one violinist who can't stop grinning has made my day

[@nwag17]

3:29 Pianist: "Plays with serious expression and passion" That violinist in the backround: :3

[@geovani8028]

Who conducts this????

[@maryglass7634]

One of the violinist looks like Ryan Gosling 🧐

[@sophiagomez8257]

😂

[@ScottRoberts]

@@maryglass7634 You probably mean Ryan Reynolds. 🙂

[@Noah-of7wr]

It is so fun to see the musicians smile while playing!

[@miriamjesse1628]

Not if you play a brass instrument😂 Like I do

[@Noah-of7wr]

@@miriamjesse1628 Hahah of course

[@charleskennedy1946]

I've been in love with this piece for over 70 years. This is a mighty fine version of it, for sure.

[@brianmonroe9435]

I’ll never comprehend how music like this exists

[@maxkiely2636]

The nearest thing yet to musical perfection, bravo.

[@N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S.]

I've got this theory that you can tell how good a performance of Rhapsody in Blue will be by the opening clarinet solo. This guy. F***ing. Nailed it.

[@frankjuggaloheathen1035]

Definitely the jazziest interpretation of the opening solo here I've heard. I love it.

[@jnstonbely5215]

Disagree. The clarinetist put in several hi-lo’s of his own in the opening of his solo. And they were NOT written by Gershwin.

[@ischmidt]

@@jnstonbely5215 It's a grand American tradition to not play things exactly as written if it sounds good, and I can't fault a single thing this clarinetist played.

[@kevcatnip7589]

Perfect ,,and they loved it too ,,,heaven

[@jimmorgan5612]

It's called interpretation.

[@msjazzmeblues]

WOW! Just WOW! The pianist, the clarinetist, the horns! Gershwin couldn't have asked for a better performance.

[@joannspear6777]

Agree!

[@alanpoole4089]

Just a superb performance , from talented musicians

[@valentinasantiago8738]

And WOW!

[@barryweinrich7289]

I'm sure he would have been blown away, just like the rest of us

[@kelliwoolsey542]

You have to love how much the second chair, second violinist is feeling this piece.

[@trevorkaye4553]

And such a beautiful young woman!

[@claudiomeneses9859]

One of the best american classic music pieces forever and ever.

[@valentinasantiago8738]

and ever and ever and ever...,

[@mikeguthrie5432]

Amen and Amen!@@valentinasantiago8738

[@jeffreykaufman8990]

This is by far the greatest piece of American music EVER written!!!!!!!

[@kaseymoss2677]

If only the audience really knew how hard it is to get this piece as perfect as this orchestra just did.

[@homosexualpanic]

I'm sure many of them do. Many are probably musicians themselves.

[@declanmcleod9025]

As a musician....I know.....and they are incredible....

[@diplomasaurus4232]

I know I've heard it being murdered before, this is excellent!

[@withgoddess7164]

Do you think they are ignorant...

[@wenzo7756]

I think many of us do understand.I am a pianist, flautist and can play most other instruments. I admire the stamina of the pianist! That is difficult!!

[@louisephillips8009]

The clarity of this performance is astonishing. Brendle catches every nuance. Never get tired of watching this.

[@maxkiely2636]

Whenever I feel down about humanity in general, I get literally blown away by so many musicians playing in perfect unison. Qudos to the person who arranged this absolute masterpiece. Humans arent that bad when they can do this.

[@anthonyplatanella9081]

The pianist is FLAWLESS

[@LOUGLEICHER]

As good as Gershwin himself!!!

[@anthonyplatanella9081]

Where can we see more of this pianist?

[@chaseholfelder]

Magic written almost 100 years ago.

[@jeffierathburn8024]

Another mozart type. Wish. I could have experienced morez

[@eddyrice2876]

@@jeffierathburn8024 what are you trying to raise my real estate taxes around here

[@inyourgame6131]

I agree, and magic that was written 200 years ago is chopin ;)

[@pamelajay7761]

It is magic that keeps me me coming back for more.

[@idkchristi]

The pianist...truly a legend. Wow

[@Jewriffic]

Few if any melodies scream "NYC" as does this one. Such a joy to hear over and over again.

[@jetconway5995]

Can we just appreciate how much feeling and expression that pianist put into it? I felt every single note he played

[@fransmith1489]

I totally agree with you. And he did not look at one single note of sheet music the entire 18 minute performance. My fingers were tired just watching him. He is beyond gifted and talented.

[@maryglass7634]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@Nostalgicguy2242]

@@fransmith1489 looking by his expressions he's probably a savant Autistic who plays with no effort at all. For savants it all just comes as naturally as walking

[@justinandrade2299]

I've been looking for a comment regarding him. The fact that not only he plays without sheet music, but also eyes closed most of the time is extremely incredible to me. He's the type of person I wish i could come even come close to in life in regards to talent.

[@paendabear21]

@@Nostalgicguy2242 wtf? How can you so deterministically state the pianist is autistic from one performance? Maybe he's been practicing the piano all his life and it took years to accumulate the skill to be able to make it look effortless. The man is just feeling music, he's been practicing this piece for how ever long he put in the effort. That face is the face of focus of expression, he knows that there will rarely be another chance to spearhead the entire orchestra for such a masterfully written piece. He is just living in the moment, not once would I downplay his talent by calling him an autist. That just comes off as boorish, jealous, and incompetent

[@syoo2458]

I just can't get over how smoothly the clarinet soloist changed notes in the beginning like that is SO difficult

[@christinestill5002]

I think there are three people who died without realizing they would wow the world : Beethoven, Gershwin & Van Gogh

[@pamfrench6651]

listened to this sitting in my garden during covid 19 lockdown. Truly amazing. has lifted my spirits.

[@fraudebs8786]

Just SPELLBINDING!

[@kenmatesevac]

Even the piano is beautiful. And those 3 violinists watching the pianist...priceless. Marvelous job by everybody.

[@photoxlo]

Love the tempo this orchestra played. Soft and secure. You can feel the notes breathe, apart from the other very quick versions.

[@smoothlady1983]

The 1920's ala a true genius...

[@smoothlady1983]

RIP george

[@EmOnLinE12]

I totally agree

[@richard169]

There's so much new-found texture in this version!

[@ralphcraig5816]

YES! Each note needs that moment to stand out...

[@acohen3951]

Every time I hear this rendition of RhapsoDy In Blue, I applaud loudly at the end, as if I were there as well !!!

[@barryweinrich7289]

Actually , It must have been really something to witness Eargasmic to say the least

[@genieanderson7341]

OMG! this pianist and the clarinetist just blew my socks off! this is the first time we've seen this. WOW !

[@OH2TNMOMof5]

OUTSTANDING! The most incredible piece of American music ever written (in my opinion) and this beautiful orchestra did a phenominal job! Absolutely got chills! BRAVO!

[@RoyalAcademyofMusic]

Thank you for your lovely comment - we're glad you enjoyed the performance!

[@earlhollar1906]

@@RoyalAcademyofMusic: You can see it on their faces , and hear in their performance . They love what they do!

[@Vinnybrain]

You ever listen to a piece of music so beautiful , so perfect, it brings a tear to your eyes, and puts a ball in your throat?.. Like looking at the Mona Lisa, only painting its soundscape in your ears.... This is one of them! And the impeccable performance , is a thing of wonder. Such a masterpiece, Such a performance!! Top Shelf!!

[@acohen3951]

Thank you for this wonderful rendition of Gershwin's famous piece of music. I have listened to it at least 6 times in the last year, and plan to listen to it at least 6 times a year, until I am no more on this world !!!

[@mcervantes362]

@@acohen3951 Right you are! When I was a child, I'd pretend to be the pianist pounding out the tune on the side of my bed. Then years later we saw Leonard Bernstein on tour as a conductor. His encore was this amazing composition. Sigh = one of the perks of living in a huge college town and having a sister who took us to everything!

[@2ezee2011]

The camera angles, the sound, the precision, and how the hell does he know that whole thing from memory!!!!! Outstanding!

[@sindysimms4001]

Agreed, everything done to perfection.

[@kathryngrant2676]

It’s not quite as uncommon as you may think. I can’t read music well, but I figured out the 1sr movement of Moonlight Sonata by ear. You therefore are in fact memorizing it as you go along. Some people has this ability. My music teacher can’t do what I do. But sometimes I would trade this for the ability to sight read music.

[@AdoptiveMother]

2ezee2011 All classical soloists have the piece committed to memory. You will never see a soloist with sheet music. It’s always been that way.

[@2ezee2011]

@@AdoptiveMother I know. My ex was a musician. It is demonstrative that poems and memories like the Iliad and Odyssey were also songs. The music made memory easier.

[@daleannharsh8295]

I didn't see anyone on stage turning sheet music.... though I must admit, some of the time I just had my eyes closed while I enjoyed the performance!

[@voiceofjeff]

I am nearly 60 years old and when I heard this rendition, it brought me to tears. This is one of the most beautiful and expressive presentations of this song I think I've ever heard. Absolutely magnificent. Each musician putting a small piece of himself into the music culminated in a work of art. Certainly, this is what music in Heaven sounds like!

[@RoyalAcademyofMusic]

Jeff, thank you for those lovely words. We're so glad you loved the performance.

[@Bras5y]

Cleanest recording I’ve heard of this piece HANDS DOWN

[@miamidolphinsfan]

it's truly magical, and to think all amatuer students too

[@kennylund3821]

This is the most sassy and saucy I've heard. I love it!!!!

I'm really amused by the expressiveness of the violin guy.

[@emidiotedeschi9905]

Nicolás Botero jj

[@UnathiGX]

They look like a Caravaggio as they stare at the piaono.

[@sallymj8957]

What a perfect description

[@edinags]

Perfect description❤️🙏🏻

[@malcolm20091000]

@@UnathiGX If Norman Rockwell were alive today he would have those 3 guys on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post.

[@LoisSharbel]

Perfection! The very BEST interpretation I've ever heard by EVERYONE in this orchestra. Fantastic!

[@jimmycooper9478]

So proud of these young people. My music teacher played this for us when I was in 6th grade, in 1968. It changed my life. These young people are still changing other lives.

[@jediknight38]

Listening to this piece makes me think of New York whenever I hear it.

[@jeremycorbynsucksdicks5133]

Me too!

[@lauranolastnamegiven3385]

makes me think of taking a trip by plane.. it was used in an ad for some airline, when I was little, can't remember which anymore

[@paladinjones1833]

It was United Airlines - I used to love that commercial when I was a kid!

[@PEGGYHART]

Yes! The rush, the growth, the industry. It's all there

[@pswrmissionary9105]

Also the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles Opening Ceremony when 84 pianos played this at once.

[@successivedestinies7215]

(In my humble opinion) The best rendition thus far. The clarinetist nailed it (and most likely enjoyed it). The memory of the pianist was impressive while the 3 violinists facial expressions as they watched him play made me chuckle. Good job.

[@bettybarker471]

Absolutely beautiful, i am 83 yrs of age, heard this as a child, my parents always enjoyed music, all the classics..has always been one of my favorites. It is so wonderful to see young men and women with such talent to play a difficult piece so flawlessly. (Enjoyed the expressions on the violinists faces as they watched the pianist play so beautifully.) Brought Such enjoyment to my heart. Thank you for proving to the world that fine musicians still exist.

[@jeffreypasslow9322]

We attended a performance at the Sydney Opera House (Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the refurbished Concert Hall) a couple of weeks ago. That really would take some beating! Superb!

[@channelsixtysix066]

I don't know if it was intended, but every time I hear this magnificent piece, it always speaks - NEW YORK.

[@zombiemom6701]

Gershwin wrote this on a train as a love song to his city, New York City. So you’re right to think of nyc when you hear it. ❤️

[@originalname9789]

fantaisa 2000 did a good representation

[@Frank00]

Magnificent performance, they know they are making musical history just by the looks on their faces, also a moment of silence to the piano that was just beaten to death.

[@TheCarnivalguy]

That clarinetist may be classically trained, but the guy has a lot of SOUL inside also. Beautifully done.

[@makeupyourmindinator]

So I’m laying here in bed listening to this in my headphones and every so often I realize that I have stopped breathing because the sound of my own breaths was taking away from the splendor of this masterpiece.

[@richardvacha2040]

Mr.Gershwin... What you wrote to play at Carnihall is one of the greatest songs that has EVER been written!!!

[@Lioness_Es]

United! 😁😄😆 That was a genius idea to use Rhapsody in Blue as their official song!

[@williamaul9165]

The Marketing Department at United Airlines made a brilliant choice. My compliments to them and to the United Board of Directors.

[@TheUnown4]

One of the best performance of the clarinet solo I’ve heard

[@maximw9362]

His tone is amazing

[@laddiemax]

I agree wholeheartedly. Love the clarinet solos, perfection!

[@nimeshsingh4943]

He's got very good style and unique interpretation- good jazz characterization. Just wish he'd accel. on the trills but it doesn't detract from an excellent rendition.

[@jamesroets800]

That was just otherworldly. I'm so glad music like this has not faded away.

[@katiehershey1692]

All kidding aside, I have NEVER heard a better performance of this piece and I've been listening to this since I was around 6; which BTW was 50 years ago!

[@urgdaddy]

I think this one the best examples of great Americana music and I am so proud to say that and hear it/appreciate it. Proud American.

[@oulipolesceptique9449]

Bravo! Beautiful, strong, and lots of fun. Gershwin is smiling somewhere.

[@frankmcgady3104]

He composed this at the age of 26, the man was a true musical genius.

[@louisblom5507]

What a lovely bunch of young musicians - AND a great round of applause for Adrian Brendle. What a talented pianist!!!

[@miamidolphinsfan]

a genius on the keyboard

[@richardabel5436]

EVERY TIME I LISTEN TO THIS MUSIC, THIS IS HEAVEN!!!!

[@JohnDoe-wb6jd]

This is now my favorite performance of this work.

[@livingonparkavenueinmanhat775]

This melody will live for centuries.

[@Marbillem]

My favourite piece of music played so brilliantly by the orchestra and special mention to the fantastic pianist. I too thought that the audience should have given them a standing ovation at the end, I would certainly have done so had I been there - just an awesome performance!

[@theresamanuel1661]

I have never heard such a beautiful rendition of this piece in all my life. To play Gershwin is to reach the pinnacle of piano performance!!!

[@wlamb9]

The beauty of this music, and the skill of the young people playing it, brings tears to my eyes.

[@hjahful]

Oh yes....Me too!!!!

[@dennispearson9287]

I Love The Richness of the Sound of the Full Orchestral Version of This Iconic Piece , which is the only version that does this piece justice !!!....

[@geraldskilling2568]

So emotional, they are all playing with their hearts! I can hardly believe how beautiful it is.

[@jessiehorsting752]

Bravo, Mr. Gardner: what performance and precision you pulled out of these talented youngsters. Flawless! Epic!

[@Bremflux]

This song gets me everytime.

[@bryangl1]

That's great, keep on exploring music there s a great deal to enjoy. One small point, it's a composition not a song. A "song" is something you "sing". That's the meaning of the word despite current misuse. Sorry to be pedantic

[@reho7387]

Wow, what a performance. Beautifully done. Gershwin was a genius.

[@chrishaynes3196]

After just 30 seconds of clarinet, everyone's thinking "Oh... this IS going to be an amazing performance'... And then after 15+ minutes and the pianist hasn't even got a bead of sweat!?! He, all of them and this piece are VERY finely composed, indeed! Stunningly well played. Thank you kindly for posting!

[@NoMoreDisneyStuff]

Happy 100 years to one of the most famous pieces in the world, Rhapsody in Blue!!!!!

[@lilianascontent]

Watching other people perform makes me admire being a clarinet player and respect my other fellow band and orchestral players

[@susanporter2336]

Think this is the BEST I've ever heard this fantastic piece of music done in all my 75 years. Just moved me to tears. Thank you so much!!!

[@drrobertashechter5083]

I agree with Susan Porter. I spent my life listening to this piece, this performance is the very best I have heard.

[@bobbywimsy6741]

It moved me too, and I'm just your age. My get up and go got up and rejoiced.

[@oldschooldrumcorps]

There are parents at this performance that are proud that their money went to the Royal Academy of Music ....

[@BJDJ]

For those of us who love contemporary music, such as rock, pop, R&B, and many others, how popular could these types of music be without George Gershwin and his impact he shared with the world?

[@trmdude5738]

This is the greatest piece of music to come out of the states... and this rendition is sweet

[@ephjaymusic]

Why do I want to applaud the clarinetist after the first 20 seconds? 🤣 Damnnnn that intonation!🔥

[@spycam56]

The greatest American classical piece ever created!

[@StevenHunter777]

Concerto in F begs to differ.

[@spycam56]

@@StevenHunter777 Opinions dear man, opinions!

[@StevenHunter777]

@@spycam56 yep!

[@dawnmoors539]

An absolutely amazing rendition of this famous piece of music. Love it. The pianist playing from memory is outstanding.

[@montythepython7614]

The most splendid and spirited version ever. This My favorite classical piece....has no difinitive version.. It was presented to Whiteman. Unfinished.. Gershwin presented many more versions in the years to come. Thanks for the post . !!! The piano player is spectacular..

[@bryangl1]

Actually, not quite correct. It was commissioned by Paul Whiteman in 1924 and scored by Whiteman's pianist, Ferde Grofe, for Whiteman's enlarged jazz band. (The Berliner Phil have a great performance of that version on line, but only accessible by subscription.). At that time Gershwin's orchestration skills (later developed with some study under Ravel ─ Ravel refusing to teach him composition, stating he wanted to hear a first rate Gershwin not a second rate Ravel) weren't yet adequate. [Gershwin certainly made up for that later, as with the Concerto in F; American in Paris]. Grofe subsequently expanded the orchestration twice, in 1926 then in 1942 using progressively larger forces. The 1926 version is rarely played. Too many modern performances forget the jazz roots ─ not quite so here (especially the clarinetist).

[@lwebb54]

Beautiful performance with fantastic phrasing and musicality!

[@theASMRvoyager]

I love like every musician is young, hella cute and amazingly talented in this vid! One of the best versions of Rhapsody in Blue ever, Thank You so very much dear Royal Academy of Music for this absolute excellence 🥰

[@lastchance8142]

This might be the best rendition of Rhaposdy I've ever seen on KZbin Bravo!

[@brianharvey9642]

I fell in love with this piece when I was nine years old. I have never fallen out of love with it. This is the most magnificent rendition of it "I" have heard. I still laugh at 14:06, when the violinist, cant contain himself any longer and yawns! I have downloaded this recording and have added it to my playlist.

[@richardvacha2040]

i listen to this 2 or 3 times a week.Greatest song EVER by an American composer!

[@bobdoyle8508]

How i wished i had lived in Gershwins time and had the good fortune to have met such an amazing composer ❤

[@johnnyohness6610]

This was so "effing" beautiful it made me cry. I've never seen anything so beautiful. Listened to it again just to see if it moved me as much and it did. Just off the hook...so beautiful

[@barryweinrich7289]

Funny how that happens

[@davidrose6375]

I also get a lump in my throat when I play it

[@jolsn42]

Probably one of the most ingenious and beautiful pieces ever written!

[@Quanuck]

The most incredible rendition I have heard play in my 63 years of life on this planet... BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO!!!! Boo to the idiot audience that did not rise to their FEET after this brilliant work of artistic piano and hor squabbles!!

[@standicarlo8334]

Beautifully done! I've been enjoying RIB this since I was a 10 y.o. New Yorker. 50 years later and after hearing so many renditions of it, I can say this is one of the best--so many details are technically right and well-expressed. Bravo to the conductor and best wishes to these students! May they have great careers ahead.

[@jatontherun]

Every time i hear this symphony i can only think of NYC with its hustle and bustle and constant movement. The crowds of people and traffic. This is what Gershwin wanted to convey. At 12:15 of this video the what i call softer side is heard. I always feel and picture in my mind the city asleep and resting for a new day to come.