MU111 - Symphonic Jazz

Symphonic Jazz Origin

Created by the Broadway songwriter and pianist George Gershwin (1898-1937). He infused his music with jazz and brought his unique style to the world of Broadway.

Examples of Jazz

Fusion of jazz styles with the idioms and forms of classical music. Examples include Rhapsody in Blue (piano and orchestra work), Piano Concerto in F, and An American in Paris (orchestral piece).

Rhapsody in Blue (1924)

A short work for piano and orchestra (one movement). Classical medium-symphony orchestra with piano.

Gershwin’s Own Translation of Jazz Features

Opening glissando by the clarinet, blues-like opening theme with syncopations, references to Charleston, muted trumpet effects. Like orchestra, classical, but enhanced by jazz features and performance. Quite improvisatory, allows sections for only the piano to play.

Other Popular Works of the Time:

Gershwin continued to write for Broadway and released an “American folk opera,” called “Porgy and Bess,” which featured an African American cast.

Porgy and Bess

Themes stemmed from African American spirituals and idioms. Gershwin closed his career writing film scores in Hollywood.