Rhapsody in Blue
Live Concert: April 3rd, 2023 @ 7:30 PM
Virtual Concert: April 11th, 2023 @ 7:30 PM
George Gershwin is one of the only composers who truly integrated jazz, in all its style, harmony, and soul, into larger-scale classical forms. His piano concerto Rhapsody in Blue is a perfect example of that symbiosis: virtuosic piano cadenzas and clear theme structures are met with carefree jazz rhythms and goofy woodwind solos. Rhapsody in Blue is as fun as it is expressive, and as serious as it is silly. Come share the experience of hearing this unique arrangement of the work for piano, strings, and clarinet, along with arrangements of his irresistible songs Bess You is My Woman Now, I Got Rhythm, and more. Along with Alec Templeton’s delightfully jazzy “pocket-sized” sonata for clarinet and piano, the first half of this all-American program includes one of Philip Glass’s most revered works: his String Quartet no. 5. Book-ended by a mysterious, dissonant chorale, this minimalist work is an epic journey through tonal harmony and intricate rhythm.
George Gershwin is one of the only composers who truly integrated jazz, in all its style, harmony, and soul, into larger-scale classical forms. His piano concerto Rhapsody in Blue is a perfect example of that symbiosis: virtuosic piano cadenzas and clear theme structures are met with carefree jazz rhythms and goofy woodwind solos. Rhapsody in Blue is as fun as it is expressive, and as serious as it is silly. Come share the experience of hearing this unique arrangement of the work for piano, strings, and clarinet, along with arrangements of his irresistible songs Bess You is My Woman Now, I Got Rhythm, and more. Along with Alec Templeton’s delightfully jazzy “pocket-sized” sonata for clarinet and piano, the first half of this all-American program includes one of Philip Glass’s most revered works: his String Quartet no. 5. Book-ended by a mysterious, dissonant chorale, this minimalist work is an epic journey through tonal harmony and intricate rhythm.
Program
Alec Templeton: Pocket-Size Sonata No. 1
Philip Glass: String Quartet No. 5
Gershwin: Selected Songs for Clarinet and Strings
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Philip Glass: String Quartet No. 5
Gershwin: Selected Songs for Clarinet and Strings
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue