George Gershwin Biography

Composer George Gershwin

Biography of George Gershwin, American composer, best known for Rhapsody in Blue

George Gershwin was born today, September 26 (1898), in Brooklyn, New York. He died in 1937. His compositions include comedies and popular songs. Aside from his famous concert work “Rhapsody in Blue,” he is also known for his opera “Porgy and Bess.”

The lyrics of his musical comedies were mostly written by his brother Ira Gershwin (1896-1983). Their collaborative work were among the most successful Broadway musicals in the 1920s and 1930s. Some of the most popular ones include Funny Face and Strike up the Band, (both 1927), and Girl Crazy (1930).

His opera “Porgy and Bess” was unique in the sense that in its operatic form, it incorporated jazz rhythms popular songs in contemporary time.

Piano Concerto in F (1924), which he composed a year after Rhapsody in Blue has also been popular with critical acclaim.

For those interested, check my earlier article of George Gershwin, Life and Music of George Gershwin.

Bernstein Plays Gershwin:  Rhapsody in Blue

Text Source:

Classical Music. Teach Yourself Series. Helicon Publishing (2000).

Music Source:

Bernstein Plays Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue, YouTube.com