I have just spent the last 20 minuets or so listening and watching this rendition of Gershwin composition as I have on many occasions in the past, and have come to the conclusion that this is art and performance of the most outstanding quality and performed with passion, and that is why I keep returning to the same piece by the same performer time after time.
'This is about the only performance by a pianist and orchestra that I've seen where everyone is having a great time playing one of the greatest compositions of the 20th century. Love every second of it.
I was there and let me tell you: the performance was even better in person! I felt like I was flying the entire time! Actually the concert was named "Two Rhapsodies", or something in that vein, and right after this they played Rhapsody Vardar, where the string section shined even more. Definately one of the most memorable concerts I have been to.
Today, September 28, would have been my Mom's birthday. She passed away in 2008. Her favorite composer was George Gershwin and her favorite composition of his was Rhapsody In Blue. NOW, tonight, I was just surfing the web, and this beautiful recording popped up. A message from Mom? I'd love to think so!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN, MOM!!!
I would love it if I could handle my mother's death like that when she passes away... and i know that its late but happy late birthday to your mother!!!
I am genuinely feeling that the pianist has music running through his veins, he's loving himself, and that is something i can truly appreciate. This piece will ever remind me of my childhood, and if i could play any of those instruments the way they are, with as much love as they do, i would be a grateful and happy human.. :)
Hey Europe this is us! Our introduction to you of our culture and to show you we are original with our jazz we introduced to the world. This is true U.S. WE DO NOT EMULATE but are original in our first clasical symphony as a weatern hemesphere country. We are truly talented beyond any reproch.. Thank you! Our gift to all of you.
I love to see musicians who LOVE to perform because they are genuinely passionate about the music. I can play about the first 5 minutes of this song on the piano and it is so much fun. And it almost made me tear up when I saw the pianist and the conductor hug at the end haha. Bunch of randomness but I just wanted to share :)
I find it interesting that so many people "critiqued" this rather than listening to and enjoying it. I doubt that less than 1 in a hundred (or thousand) of those critiquing could come close to playing this on the piano. The piano playing is amazing. And Rhapsody in Blue is amazing.
Not only is the performance outstanding, the videography is superb! Three cheers for the video director and his crew! He let us see the bass clarinet lick, the cymbals, the runs on the piano, the trumpet and trombone solos, and all the other important parts up close as they were being played. It was a better view than sitting in the audience.
I don't know how anyone can criticise the sound quality, you have to hear it live to really appreciate it. Still sounded amazing to me, goosebumps! I wish I could play a piano like that..
I hear this and think that George Gershwin would be very proud and happy that these wonderful musicians were presenting his creation in such a fantastic manner. Perhaps he was here, perhaps playing in the place of Mister Armstrong--because Armstrong was obviously inspired and possibly possessed this night. Excuse my language, but this is FUCKING GREAT!!!
If you're listening to this, & aren't affected on some level by the energy & passion that went into it, my God, the sheer HISTORY of this piece - you aren't human or are just emotionally bankrupt. And I PITY you for you cannot appreciate such things.
I absolutely adore this performance. It is truly beautiful to listen to and very entertaining to watch. I am a piano player myself, and some of the comments i have read have made my temper itch. He is an incredibly good musician and very enthusiastic and passionate. He has something called artistic licence. He has his own spin on the arrangement and thats something that shows true musicianship. He is obviously a natural musician and not mechanical.
Couldn't agree more, groove. I'm also a musician [though not a pianist] and there's so much to be said for having "soul" beyond technical proficiency. It's an almost ineffable quality. I have trouble putting into words EXACTLY what that quality is, but I am always drawn back to this performance, I think, for just that reason. This pianist, the conductor, indeed the entire orchestra, put on nothing less than an inspired performance. Everything came together that night for something rare and special. Maybe it is a kind of magic....
I'm 17 years old, I ussually listen to hard rock or metal stuff, but I LOVE this. this is what a lot of people think of when you're talking about music, and they are right.
This is American music at its finest! It's incredibly complex, the piano part. How many pianists, in the world, could pull this off ? It can't be that many.
Tim Spriggs at 16 I learned the piano part up until about 2:30 and just kinda stopped. I wanted to play guitar, so I stopped taking lessons on piano after 10 years. My playing ability far surpassed my sight reading ability. But I learned to play the first couple of minutes by heart. Love playing in Bb. Not lol.
Lester Solnin I believe it was for solo piano, just as American in Paris was. The orchestral re-orchestration of this was done by a few different people, but I'm not sure who wrote this orchestration. The orchestration of An American in Paris was however written by Gershwin.
xXJonoPCXx Ferde Grofé, Paul Whiteman's in-house pianist and arranger, took Gershwin's four-hand piano composition and arranged it in 1924 for the Palais Royal Orchestra, Whiteman's band. In 1942, Grofé redid his arrangement for a full orchestra, which is what is being performed here. Gershwin originally wrote the Rhapsody fully intending for Grofé to arrange it, it was for a concert named "An Experiment in Modern Music." At the time, Gershwin didn't have the expertise to arrange for full orchestra. Its an interesting history if you ever find time to research more.
there is not enough room to say how i love this and the orchestra, conductor and mr armstrong...i must say i love the french horn and the bassoon...how someone can prefer the berstein version is beyond my comprehension...
Steve White They're probably just people who didn't feel like listening to the whole twenty minutes of the song. I think it's great! (Also, now it is two-hundred and thirty-three people.)
i listen to this every morning before going to work...it is a reminder to me of the great highs, the peaceful lows and the average feelings of the day...it also reminds me that God is my conductor and i must follow his directions...and the struggles i must make to come out on top...it is a great learning piece for live...
11:08 ...the next couple minutes from here give me the strongest emotional reactions I've ever had to any piece of music...but different reactions each time; during one listen I'll be laughing my ass off, and during the next I'll be on the verge of sobbing. Utterly genius...that pianist is beyond brilliant.
Well, in a way, that's the style Gershwin wrote in. And that's why I love him so much. This song, and a few others epitomize how much his style, having grown up in the start of the Big Band era, and having been taught Classical piano, why not mix the two? Which he did brilliantly.
That's exactly what the piece is--a fusion of classical and jazz. It is a historically significant work for that reason; Gershwin was highly influential in bringing jazz to the concert hall.
AJE1111 This is Fusion. Classical influencing jazz, or maybe vice - versa. All inspired by a view of a street in NYC. This is part of humanity's cultural legacy.
No, you're not alone. I fell in love with this solo in a movie I saw about Gershwin when I was very young. This and the entire piece hooked me and I'm still hooked decades later.
This was performed at Grant Park this summer, it was played great, but nothing in comparison to this ! Rossen Milanov was great when he was conductor, this guy is as well, maybe even better!
This by far the best on piano performed RIB published on TH-cam. Andrew Armstrong ist playing it with a 100% timing and perfection. It is a great gift listening to hom and the Orchestra. The clarinet player did also a fantastic original RIB performance! Thank you!!
I think the best job to have would be the guy with the cymbals at the end. "BAM!" x 4 !! Imagine being his neighbor and hearing him rehearse at odd hours of the night, or day.
Without a doubt the pianist plays to the agreed-upon pace Gershwin would have envisioned for the his Rhapsody . Spectacular, moving and soothing performance. It feels perfect.
Memorable interpretación!, Andrew Armstrong por momentos ejecuta el piano con sus manos y su alma.... transpira las notas, las sufre, las disfruta...las actúa ..... y domina con maestría los tiempos y la creatividad.... me animo a decir que llega a tener orgasmos de pasión musical..... hay una excelente sintonía personal y artistica con Maxim Eshkenazy y su orquesta!. He dicho.
Here, the Orchestra of the National Radio of Bulgaria plays American music of essentially Classical status that many young Americans are not aware of. This time, the trolls are pretending to tune the piano.
BELLISIMA INTERPRETACIÓN DE UNA OBRA MAESTRA DE GERSHWIN, GRAN COMPOSITOR EN LA ÉPOCA DE ORO DE LOS MUSICALES DE BROADWAY.- UN SALUDO DESDE LA CIUDAD DE VALPARAÍSO, CHILE.-
Always the Director, his visual overlook aids the Pianist.. This is One Piece that Many Conductors perform BOTH ROLES.. This was a GREAT endeavor actually longer than Most Brilliantly Executed
In this case, the conductor is leading the orchestra. if the conductor becomes unable to conduct, the principle takes the baton. The conductor and pianist are cueing each other.
Originally, Gershwin, the composer, played the piano while conducting the orchestra. So in this case it is quite alright. Great team work as well, considering there is now an Actual conductor.
First to those that are calling this "jazz"; no it's not (and yes, that's a jazz soprano sax I'm holding)! It is a classical work that Gershwin composed that took different elements of jazz, blues etc and integrated into a classical symphonic for. But yes, I get why this work is so compelling to anyone who knows nothing about classical music; it is grandiose, musical, entertaining and a masterpiece to boot! No wonder the pianist looks so enraptured as he plays!
Does anyone else hear this and think of the rise of industrialism and the eventual attainment of perfection of humankind through technology? (And no, I don't believe in that, but it is what I hear in the music). Or a short ballet with most of the dancers in a sort of matte grey? Because I see one every time in my head. I'm probably very weird. lol
Orssidia You can hear the heavy machinery working at peak in a few parts of the song. To quote Gershwin,"It was on the train, with its steely rhythms, its rattle-ty bang, that is so often so stimulating to a composer - I frequently hear music in the very heart of the noise.... And there I suddenly heard, and even saw on paper - the complete construction of the Rhapsody, from beginning to end. No new themes came to me, but I worked on the thematic material already in my mind and tried to conceive the composition as a whole. I heard it as a sort of musical kaleidoscope of America, of our vast melting pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our metropolitan madness. By the time I reached Boston I had a definite plot of the piece, as distinguished from its actual substance."
I really think it's the most stupendous piece of American music. It does my heart well to see so many orchestras in other countries perform it on a regular basis.
+Aart de Graaf I don't think that is the climax of the piece, perhaps the climax of that segment, and yes he does really enjoy the music, btw what is the best recording of this piece in your opinion?
+shadowjuan2 Which part is the climax of this piece in your opinion? My favorite recording of the Rhapsody is the classic Leonard Bernstein one from 1959. How about yours?
Truly a wonderful rendition... Great musicianship and technique....You can tell Andrew loves to play this piece. The piano is definitely out of tune. But don't be to quick to judge. The piano got worse as the piece went on. Most likely it was in tune at the beginning of this concert. I would imagine Rhapsody in Blue was the finale'. Who knows what the humidity was like on that evening. How much pounding the piano endured before the final song etc....Andrew truly has a unique approach and I truly enjoyed his enthusiasm for the music. My favorite version is Leonard Bernstein's version. Andrew's is just as great, just different... Unfortunate the piano had a bad night.
Quintessentially American by a brilliant composer who died entirely too young, but what a legacy, and performed by a great orchestra clearly inspired. Thank you
![Yuja Wang: Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue [HD]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ce3OERuCY0E/mqdefault.jpg)
I have just spent the last 20 minuets or so listening and watching this rendition of Gershwin composition as I have on many occasions in the past, and have come to the conclusion that this is art and performance of the most outstanding quality and performed with passion, and that is why I keep returning to the same piece by the same performer time after time.
27 seconds into this, and a smile is already creeping up on my face. Musical Prozac.
Musical Paxil for me!
This pianist is truthfully one of the most faithful to the tone of the piece, speed wise. Very impressive
Simply one of the best performances of Rhapsody in Blue I've ever seen! Stunning!
The best. I have never heard one better.
I agree!
'This is about the only performance by a pianist and orchestra that I've seen where everyone is having a great time playing one of the greatest compositions of the 20th century. Love every second of it.
I was there and let me tell you: the performance was even better in person! I felt like I was flying the entire time! Actually the concert was named "Two Rhapsodies", or something in that vein, and right after this they played Rhapsody Vardar, where the string section shined even more. Definately one of the most memorable concerts I have been to.
Happy Birthday George Gershwin, born 9/26/1898, and thank you so much for shedding eternal musical beauty and light on our precarious civilization.
I would be ashamed at the things I'd be willing to do in order to play piano at this level. Goodness gracious. I love this song.
There's so much passion & talent, raw energy here. It could almost make me believe in magic.
Would you be willing to practice your heart out? :)
The Muffin
Makes wish I had an ounce of " piano talent ".
Today, September 28, would have been my Mom's birthday. She passed away in 2008. Her favorite composer was George Gershwin and her favorite composition of his was Rhapsody In Blue. NOW, tonight, I was just surfing the web, and this beautiful recording popped up. A message from Mom? I'd love to think so!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN, MOM!!!
I would love it if I could handle my mother's death like that when she passes away... and i know that its late but happy late birthday to your mother!!!
Jane Phillips ex
I just happened to see your comment on September 29th 2019. Happy heavenly birthday to your mother. May she rest in peace 💜
The way the conductor looks at the pianist as if saying, "You are my pride and joy."
My fav version of this. Who knew Bulgarian symphonies could rock Gershwin?
Twer I a Pianist, and Lord if this doesn't make you think of such a blessing. I would be As Passionate and animated as He. True Skills.
The genius of G. Gershwin unleashed through This Supremely Talented Pianist : a Must See & Hear - best 20 minute music moment of the Decade
I am genuinely feeling that the pianist has music running through his veins, he's loving himself, and that is something i can truly appreciate. This piece will ever remind me of my childhood, and if i could play any of those instruments the way they are, with as much love as they do, i would be a grateful and happy human.. :)
Hey Europe this is us! Our introduction to you of our culture and to show you we are original with our jazz we introduced to the world. This is true U.S. WE DO NOT EMULATE but are original in our first clasical symphony as a weatern hemesphere country. We are truly talented beyond any reproch.. Thank you! Our gift to all of you.
I love to see musicians who LOVE to perform because they are genuinely passionate about the music. I can play about the first 5 minutes of this song on the piano and it is so much fun. And it almost made me tear up when I saw the pianist and the conductor hug at the end haha. Bunch of randomness but I just wanted to share :)
Best Rhapsody in Blue I've ever heard!
Love the pianist, love the conductor, love the orchestra! Loved the music!!
This song makes me think of New York every time I hear it, and I have no idea why.
I find it interesting that so many people "critiqued" this rather than listening to and enjoying it. I doubt that less than 1 in a hundred (or thousand) of those critiquing could come close to playing this on the piano. The piano playing is amazing. And Rhapsody in Blue is amazing.
You're so right! Make that one in 100,000 I reckon!
i love how this is no longer Just a piece, being preformed, but a story being told.
Not only is the performance outstanding, the videography is superb! Three cheers for the video director and his crew! He let us see the bass clarinet lick, the cymbals, the runs on the piano, the trumpet and trombone solos, and all the other important parts up close as they were being played. It was a better view than sitting in the audience.
doctorgrowl I would've loved to have been in the audience, though.
Well said. Could not agree more. Btw, this message is from 8 years in the future. Crazy, right?
the control andrew armstrong has over his instrument is unmatched
the guy in the piano feels the music.
This is one of the most fascinating compositions I know; toned and textured to the max.
Gershwin.
Outstanding! I have a lot of Gershwin on 78's my aunt gave me.
Great music, always loved it!
how can anyone be in a bad mood listening to this?
I don't know how anyone can criticise the sound quality, you have to hear it live to really appreciate it. Still sounded amazing to me, goosebumps! I wish I could play a piano like that..
Me as well... I'm coming back as a pianist.
Picturing Fantasia 2000 in my head the whole time! Truly an amazing performance.
I hear this and think that George Gershwin would be very proud and happy that these wonderful musicians were presenting his creation in such a fantastic manner. Perhaps he was here, perhaps playing in the place of Mister Armstrong--because Armstrong was obviously inspired and possibly possessed this night. Excuse my language, but this is FUCKING GREAT!!!
If you're listening to this, & aren't affected on some level by the energy & passion that went into it, my God, the sheer HISTORY of this piece - you aren't human or are just emotionally bankrupt. And I PITY you for you cannot appreciate such things.
Hear, hear!
I absolutely adore this performance. It is truly beautiful to listen to and very entertaining to watch. I am a piano player myself, and some of the comments i have read have made my temper itch. He is an incredibly good musician and very enthusiastic and passionate. He has something called artistic licence. He has his own spin on the arrangement and thats something that shows true musicianship. He is obviously a natural musician and not mechanical.
Couldn't agree more, groove. I'm also a musician [though not a pianist] and there's so much to be said for having "soul" beyond technical proficiency. It's an almost ineffable quality. I have trouble putting into words EXACTLY what that quality is, but I am always drawn back to this performance, I think, for just that reason. This pianist, the conductor, indeed the entire orchestra, put on nothing less than an inspired performance. Everything came together that night for something rare and special. Maybe it is a kind of magic....
I'm 17 years old, I ussually listen to hard rock or metal stuff, but I LOVE this. this is what a lot of people think of when you're talking about music, and they are right.
was having a bad day today so listened to this and everybody hurts and i feel so much better...i thank God for those musicians who enrich our lives
Excellent performance. Thank you Bulgarian National Radio.
So THATS how you fuse modern tunes with classical settings. I love the concept of the concerto but this was truly brilliant. Wild, but brilliant.
This is American music at its finest! It's incredibly complex, the piano part. How many pianists, in the world, could pull this off ? It can't be that many.
Music works well with depression.
I agree, but playing is one thing and feeling it is another history, any good pianist can play it but in the way GG felt it, just a few.
Tim Spriggs at 16 I learned the piano part up until about 2:30 and just kinda stopped. I wanted to play guitar, so I stopped taking lessons on piano after 10 years. My playing ability far surpassed my sight reading ability.
But I learned to play the first couple of minutes by heart.
Love playing in Bb.
Not lol.
that pianist has serious passion and soul
My goosebumps just had goosebumps. Oj mamaaaaaaa! Bravooooooo!
The piano player just loves what he's doing. He's having a great time!
Who would dislike this!?!
HOW CAN ANYONE DISLIKE THIS?!?!?!😱❤️
1:13, 1:21, 3:21, 3:36, 2:01, 0:21, 0:27, 0:58 my favorite parts
I've listened to a few versions of this and I feel, at least in terms of tempo, this is the best one.
If it's possible to OD on music, this exquisite piece performed by a magnificent orchestra and genius pianist will do it.
Magnificent performance of one of the most iconic pieces of 20th century music.
This is the truest to Gershwin I have seen.
Truest to Gershwin except he wrote it for solo piano...
Yeah, I know. On that point, wasn't it written for TWO pianos? Who decided to make it for Jazz Band? Paul Whitman, I gather.
Lester Solnin I believe it was for solo piano, just as American in Paris was. The orchestral re-orchestration of this was done by a few different people, but I'm not sure who wrote this orchestration. The orchestration of An American in Paris was however written by Gershwin.
xXJonoPCXx Ferde Grofé, Paul Whiteman's in-house pianist and arranger, took Gershwin's four-hand piano composition and arranged it in 1924 for the Palais Royal Orchestra, Whiteman's band. In 1942, Grofé redid his arrangement for a full orchestra, which is what is being performed here. Gershwin originally wrote the Rhapsody fully intending for Grofé to arrange it, it was for a concert named "An Experiment in Modern Music." At the time, Gershwin didn't have the expertise to arrange for full orchestra. Its an interesting history if you ever find time to research more.
You are absolutely right! You also answered a follow up question on who wrote full orchestration! Thanks. Les
Never get tired of hearing Rhapsody in Blue. This is a particularly fine performance; great playing a perfect melding of classical and jazz.
what a great piece of music
there is not enough room to say how i love this and the orchestra, conductor and mr armstrong...i must say i love the french horn and the bassoon...how someone can prefer the berstein version is beyond my comprehension...
Who the hell are the 219 people who didn't like this? It is absolutely delicious, from start to finish. What a treat to listen to.
Steve White They're probably just people who didn't feel like listening to the whole twenty minutes of the song. I think it's great! (Also, now it is two-hundred and thirty-three people.)
Arianna H This is DELICIOUS. OK, if that sounds slightly metrosexual / gay, I don't give a crap. :) I stand by it.
Piano tuners
What an absolutely amazing piece of work. George Gershwin I luv you. :-)
I watch this every week and it just keeps getting better.
One word: Magnificent!
O my god~
So great!!
i listen to this every morning before going to work...it is a reminder to me of the great highs, the peaceful lows and the average feelings of the day...it also reminds me that God is my conductor and i must follow his directions...and the struggles i must make to come out on top...it is a great learning piece for live...
If only all music was as good as this
The whole orchestra seems to be really enjoying the piece, especially the pianist. A marvelous performance!
11:08 ...the next couple minutes from here give me the strongest emotional reactions I've ever had to any piece of music...but different reactions each time; during one listen I'll be laughing my ass off, and during the next I'll be on the verge of sobbing. Utterly genius...that pianist is beyond brilliant.
The entire orchestra driven into a quite deep feeling which contaminates everyone.... that is GREAT!!!
Oh my god, it looks like a fusion of classcal with jazz.
And this pianist looks like a psycho too, hehe.
I consider that Jazz as Classical.
Well, in a way, that's the style Gershwin wrote in. And that's why I love him so much. This song, and a few others epitomize how much his style, having grown up in the start of the Big Band era, and having been taught Classical piano, why not mix the two? Which he did brilliantly.
That's exactly what the piece is--a fusion of classical and jazz. It is a historically significant work for that reason; Gershwin was highly influential in bringing jazz to the concert hall.
AJE1111 This is Fusion. Classical influencing jazz, or maybe vice - versa. All inspired by a view of a street in NYC. This is part of humanity's cultural legacy.
super version!!!
Man.... This was Excellent!!!!! It really touched me.
I agree with comments about the pianist - this man LOVES HIS JOB. BRAVO!!
That is the baddest man playing clarinet in the business, buy that man a steak
Brings back memories of my childhood. Mother loved this so much
Armstrong's rendition; the best
With Ricardo Muti and orchestra of course
B st ever
When I was 14 I heard Oscar Levant play Rhapsody in Blue on television and it changed my life.
Dat Pianist... Incredible.
I still cannot believe that pianists can memorize this whole piece! Talent!
incredible
No, you're not alone. I fell in love with this solo in a movie I saw about Gershwin when I was very young. This and the entire piece hooked me and I'm still hooked decades later.
This was performed at Grant Park this summer, it was played great, but nothing in comparison to this ! Rossen Milanov was great when he was conductor, this guy is as well, maybe even better!
This by far the best on piano performed RIB published on TH-cam. Andrew Armstrong ist playing it with a 100% timing and perfection. It is a great gift listening to hom and the Orchestra. The clarinet player did also a fantastic original RIB performance! Thank you!!
I think the best job to have would be the guy with the cymbals at the end. "BAM!" x 4 !! Imagine being his neighbor and hearing him rehearse at odd hours of the night, or day.
Without a doubt the pianist plays to the agreed-upon pace Gershwin would have envisioned for the his Rhapsody . Spectacular, moving and soothing performance. It feels perfect.
Memorable interpretación!, Andrew Armstrong por momentos ejecuta el piano con sus manos y su alma.... transpira las notas, las sufre, las disfruta...las actúa ..... y domina con maestría los tiempos y la creatividad.... me animo a decir que llega a tener orgasmos de pasión musical..... hay una excelente sintonía personal y artistica con Maxim Eshkenazy y su orquesta!.
He dicho.
sabias palabras, te comprendo mi amigo
Exquisitely done! Just brilliant!
excelente y un virtuoso Amstrong. Bravo
Absolute perfection
If you're a really good piano player and you really enjoy it, it's impossible not to look just a little bit mad, isn't it? :)
The 1st true crossover between jazz & classical. What a fantastic piece.
Here, the Orchestra of the National Radio of Bulgaria plays American music of essentially Classical status that many young Americans are not aware of. This time, the trolls are pretending to tune the piano.
BELLISIMA INTERPRETACIÓN DE UNA OBRA MAESTRA DE GERSHWIN, GRAN COMPOSITOR EN LA ÉPOCA DE ORO DE LOS MUSICALES DE BROADWAY.-
UN SALUDO DESDE LA CIUDAD DE VALPARAÍSO, CHILE.-
This beats Rap for sure.
I wonder if Gershwin ever realized that this piece would be immortal
Who leads who? Director to pianist, or pianist to director? Apart from that, the best Rhapsody in Blue I've heard at least on youtube.
Always the Director, his visual overlook aids the Pianist.. This is One Piece that Many Conductors perform BOTH ROLES.. This was a GREAT endeavor actually longer than Most Brilliantly Executed
Barone DON There's at least one video here on youtube with Leonard Bernstein conducting/playing the piano. Awesome sutff!
In this case, the conductor is leading the orchestra. if the conductor becomes unable to conduct, the principle takes the baton. The conductor and pianist are cueing each other.
Originally, Gershwin, the composer, played the piano while conducting the orchestra. So in this case it is quite alright. Great team work as well, considering there is now an Actual conductor.
Izzy Monroe Well, originally it was conducted by Paul Whiteman, whose orchestra performed and premiered it in 1924.
SPLENDIDE ! Une interprétation qui me comble. Du bonheur !
First to those that are calling this "jazz"; no it's not (and yes, that's a jazz soprano sax I'm holding)! It is a classical work that Gershwin composed that took different elements of jazz, blues etc and integrated into a classical symphonic for. But yes, I get why this work is so compelling to anyone who knows nothing about classical music; it is grandiose, musical, entertaining and a masterpiece to boot! No wonder the pianist looks so enraptured as he plays!
That's a true Jazz Rapsody !
Incredible!
masterpiece of the century, I say!
Brings tears to my eyes. Truly the work genius and a great masterpiece for all mankind.
I don't think what he did to the piano is legal.
If it is legal, still is obscene...
legal? you mean he raped it?
It's not what he did to the piano, but what the piano did to him
@@rushtouchmore154 meaning the sounds she's making right.
Ohhh my god he's just amazing!!!!!
I don't think the Piano is out of tune, it's supposed to be played a bit flat in places. It's charming.
Whoever the pianist is for this, they are spectacular. Absolutely terrific!! One of the best versions I have heard in a long time.
Does anyone else hear this and think of the rise of industrialism and the eventual attainment of perfection of humankind through technology? (And no, I don't believe in that, but it is what I hear in the music). Or a short ballet with most of the dancers in a sort of matte grey? Because I see one every time in my head. I'm probably very weird. lol
After watching Fantasia 2000, that short is all I can imagine haha
I can definitely picture your first example -- the industrialisation. Very interesting...
Orssidia You can hear the heavy machinery working at peak in a few parts of the song. To quote Gershwin,"It was on the train, with its steely rhythms, its rattle-ty bang, that is so often so stimulating to a composer - I frequently hear music in the very heart of the noise.... And there I suddenly heard, and even saw on paper - the complete construction of the Rhapsody, from beginning to end. No new themes came to me, but I worked on the thematic material already in my mind and tried to conceive the composition as a whole. I heard it as a sort of musical kaleidoscope of America, of our vast melting pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our metropolitan madness. By the time I reached Boston I had a definite plot of the piece, as distinguished from its actual substance."
I'm not insane! Thank you so much for sharing that :) It is truly fascinating.
It´s a ride on a train through America.
I really think it's the most stupendous piece of American music. It does my heart well to see so many orchestras in other countries perform it on a regular basis.
Not the best performance, but that pianist is so amazing. Look at the fun he has.
Aart de Graaf The music is a life form. It's as alive as any of us.
and what impresses you? 😆
+Puff Hiddleston You can see he really enjoys being part of the music. I thought it was the best visible at the climax of the piece at 12:46.
+Aart de Graaf I don't think that is the climax of the piece, perhaps the climax of that segment, and yes he does really enjoy the music, btw what is the best recording of this piece in your opinion?
+shadowjuan2 Which part is the climax of this piece in your opinion? My favorite recording of the Rhapsody is the classic Leonard Bernstein one from 1959. How about yours?
Dead at only 38. What great contributions to American music did we miss out on, by losing him at such a young age?
Truly a wonderful rendition... Great musicianship and technique....You can tell Andrew loves to play this piece. The piano is definitely out of tune. But don't be to quick to judge. The piano got worse as the piece went on. Most likely it was in tune at the beginning of this concert. I would imagine Rhapsody in Blue was the finale'. Who knows what the humidity was like on that evening. How much pounding the piano endured before the final song etc....Andrew truly has a unique approach and I truly enjoyed his enthusiasm for the music. My favorite version is Leonard Bernstein's version. Andrew's is just as great, just different... Unfortunate the piano had a bad night.
so you and ''Andrew'' are on a first name basis, huh?
Oh hey Michael! I had a lesson with you about a year ago at McMInnville High School, I played the Chopin Nocturne. Have you ever performed this piece?
Courtney Jene I played the piano solo version when I was in High School...How's your piano going?
colin crothers Colin... Never met Andrew
Quintessentially American by a brilliant composer who died entirely too young, but what a legacy, and performed by a great orchestra clearly inspired. Thank you
larry david on clarinet
Wow! He played the hell out of that piano! Props ! Wow!