The Rhapsody in Blue (1924) established Gershwin's reputation as a
serious composer and has since become one of the most popular of all
American concert works. In this richly informative guide David Schiff
considers the piece as musical work, historical event and cultural
document. He traces the history of the Rhapsody's composition,
performance and reception, placing it within the context of American
popular song and jazz and the development of modernism. He also provides
a full account of the different published and recorded versions of the
work and explores the many stylistic sources of Gershwin's music.
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