Paul Whiteman, Rhapsody in Blue - HMV157 Gramophone

Описание: An extra-long clip today as I bring you both sides of George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' performed by Paul Whiteman & His Concert Orchestra with Gershwin at the piano.

In November 1923 Whiteman tried to commission Gershwin to compose a classically styled, concert-like piece to be included in an all jazz concert he was to perform in February 1924. Gershwin declined due to lack of time. However after discovering that Vincent Lopez, Whiteman's great rival, was planning a similar idea he had a change of heart and, with a mere 5 weeks remaining, finally agreed to compose the piece which premiered on February 12th 1924.

The pair first recorded this abridged version (arranged by Ferdie Grofé) in June 1924. The piece was cut down to around 9 minutes due to having to fit onto two sides of a 12" record and, as a result, has a slightly hurried feel. That earliest take was recorded acoustically so they returned to the studio on April 21st 1927 to record this version using the new 'electrical recording' system.

This is being demonstrated playing on my c.1930 HMV Model 157 Gramophone.
Catalogue Nº. C.1395
Matrix Nº. 5-0613 / 5-0594

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