The initial performance at Aeolian Hall of the Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin was such a success, there was apparently applause afterward that lasted longer than the performance itself! Capturing some of that early energy, the original Victor acoustical recording was recorded in New York, NY June 1924 and released in October 1924. READ MORE

Performed initially in full at Aeolian Hall in NYC on February 12, 1924, this abridged version is pitch-perfect and time-scaled to the proper time (8:59), and the sound re-engineering attempts to give the old, hollow recording a more modern, 'electrical' sound (with 'slightly less' shellac noise) with spatial effects. Know that acoustical recordings only offer at best 200Hz-2kHz and with modern plug-ins, there is more frequency range to be heard! If you are playing along with the recording, you'll find the performance is now in perfect A440 pitch. The surface noise was more or less generally left in, as high fidelity is always preferred over a simple notch filter to cut all highs.

NOTE: This is not intended as a true 'restoration', but a re-engineering and re-imagining audio fantasy utilizing and experimenting with new plug-ins from Sonnox, RX Ozone, and my favorites, those from bx. The source of the recording is the .mp3 available from the National Jukebox of the Library of Congress, now in the public domain, and NOT from the Gershwin plays Gershwin CD (which YT copyright flagged the original opening section - and which isn't much better and equally noisy) - and, unfortunately, do not own the original 78rpm record, but I do own a 1912 fully restored Victrola IX with Victrola No.2 and soft soundboxes FYI - if YOU have the record. I'd love to do this with an original 78, but I'm not inclined to search eBay for one.

As always, the Rhapsody may be considered "Symphonic Jazz", but is hardly improvisational jazz (except when Gershwin performed his piano solos personally). Also, be aware this recording is not the complete Rhapsody. It is abridged ('cut') to fit the time restraints of 12-inch Victor records, as this recording is in fact both sides of the record merged into one performance.

The 1924 version is enjoyed by most Gershwin aficionados and those who have heard multiple performances of this famous musical work find this version to be the best and most energetic, compared to the re-recording in 1927 using electrical recording methods, also performed by Paul Whiteman's Concert Orchestra with George Gershwin reprising his performance from 3 years prior in this original recording.

#rhapsodyinblue #gershwin #sounddesign

Rhapsody in Blue, composed by George Gershwin, is a groundbreaking musical work that fuses classical and jazz elements. Born in 1924, it emerged as a vibrant response to the Roaring Twenties' cultural dynamism. In a serendipitous encounter, bandleader Paul Whiteman commissioned Gershwin to create a piece that would exemplify this era's spirit.

On February 12, 1924, the grand premiere of Rhapsody in Blue took place at Aeolian Hall in New York City. The hall was filled with anticipation as the audience awaited this unprecedented fusion of jazz and classical music. Gershwin's piano solo was met with intrigue and excitement, offering a unique blend of syncopation, improvisation, and orchestral grandeur.

The performance was a sensation, marking a pivotal moment in music history. It showcased Gershwin's genius in weaving together two seemingly disparate genres into a harmonious whole. Conductor Paul Whiteman led his orchestra with precision, while Gershwin's piano mastery captivated the audience.

Notably, the Rhapsody's initial arrangement was quite different from the version we recognize today. Ferde Grofé, Whiteman's arranger, played a crucial role in shaping the piece's orchestration. His contribution enhanced the work's accessibility and its ability to resonate with a broad audience.

In 1924, Victor Records also made history by releasing an acoustical recording of Rhapsody in Blue. This recording, though limited in capturing the full spectrum of the piece's complexity, allowed a wider audience to experience Gershwin's masterpiece. The limitations of early recording technology couldn't fully capture the nuances, but it nevertheless played a role in popularizing the Rhapsody and expanding its reach.

In essence, Rhapsody in Blue reflects the cultural crosscurrents of its time and George Gershwin's innovative spirit. Its first performance at Aeolian Hall marked a milestone in music, bridging the gap between classical and jazz genres. The subsequent recording by Victor Records preserved the Rhapsody's essence, paving the way for its enduring legacy as a groundbreaking and iconic piece in the history of music.