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American Composer Series #4- George Gershwin (part 2)

© Brad Foust

The 1920's saw George Gershwin's career grow in volume and direction. While writing for the musical theatre, Gershwin was also taking a commission from Paul Whiteman, a conductor of the time, for a long-form orchestral piece that would explore the jazz idiom. The result was the masterpiece, 'Rhapsody in Blue' (1924), a piece which he dedicated to the legendary blues composer W.C. Handy. Transcribed for orchestra by composer Ferde Grofe, the worked debuted in New York in 1924, with Gershwin at the piano. His desire to compose 'serious music' did not stop there. The 'Piano Concerto in F' (1925) soon followed, along with 'Preludes for Piano' (1926). Another crowning achievement of his orchestral work was 'An American in Paris' (1928), a tone poem describing the hustle and bustle of life in one of the world's great cities.

Although Gershwin is thought of as an important composer of orchestral music, most laud him for his work in the musical theatre. Along with his brother Ira, they wrote some of the most beloved songs of all time. Some of the more memorable collaborations were:

Lady, Be Good! (1924) - Fascinating Rhythm

Oh, Kay (1926)- Someone To Watch Over Me

Funny Face (1927)- 'S Wonderful

Strike Up The Band (1927/30)- I've Got A Crush On You

Girl Crazy (1930)- I Got Rhythm But Not For Me Embraceable You

Gershwin also made a foray into the world of opera with 'Porgy and Bess' (1935), a work which was not received well initially. Still, this 'folk opera,' as he had described it himself, produced such classic songs as 'Summertime,' 'It Ain't Necessarily So', 'Bess, You Is My Woman' and 'I Got Plenty O' Nuttin.' He still continued to write for musicals, producing 'Shall We Dance' ( Let's Call The Whole Thing Off, They Can't Take That Away From Me), and 'A Damsel In Distress' ('Nice Work If You Can Get It,' 'Things Are Looking Up', 'A Foggy Day').

While working on the film 'The Goldwyn Follies'(1938),George Gershwin became ill, and died soon after on July 11, 1937. Despite being ill, he wrote such memorable songs for the film as 'Love Walked In', 'I Was Doing all Right', 'I Love To Rhyme', 'Just Another Rhumba', and the classic 'Love Is Here To Stay.'

In his short life, George Gershwin accomplished much in the field of music. He was a brilliant pianist, gifted composer of 'serious music' and one of the best songwriters of all time. Few composers have been able to blend styles so seamlessly, and his ingenious use of the jazz idiom set him apart as one of America's great composers.

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