Oregon Symphonic Band - American in Paris

In a concert that recalls hit Broadway musicals and tunes, The Oregon Symphonic Band performed on April 22nd, 2023 at the Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton Oregon.
An American in Paris by George Gershwin (1898-1937) Arr. Jerry Brubaker
"An American in Paris" is known primarily because of the 1951 film starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron (in her film debut). The plot centers around American World War II veteran Jerry Mulligan, who lives in Paris, trying to succeed as an artist. Gershwin went to Paris in 1928 for more thorough training in composition after completing his ground-breaking Rhapsody in Blue. What he found, or had already conceived by the time he arrived, were the ideas for this composition. The opening section is followed by a rich "blues" with a strong rhythmic undercurrent. Our American friend, perhaps after strolling into a cafe, has suddenly succumbed to a spasm of homesickness. The blues rises to a climax, then returns to the vivacity and bubbling exuberance of its impressions of Paris.
The motion picture was an enormous success, garnering eight Academy Award nominations and