Thursday Tunes

A rare recording of George Gershwin playing his musique magnifique -- that quintessential American composition, Rhapsody in Blue. George was renowned for his speed and dexterity as a pianist. Around 3:00, you'll hear him hit his stride. Stunning.

What I find very interesting about this recording is how different it is from most modern interpretations. In contemporary recordings, especially symphonic performances, there's an almost lyrical quality to it. Hypnotic, even. Here, as played by the man who wrote it, the feeling is one of force and speed and an "in your face" style... Anyway, it's one of the great pieces of American music, no matter how it's played, and arguably the very earliest roots of rock-n-roll.




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