Rhapsody in Blue

What is a rhapsody? Ancient Greek poets compared literary creativity with the art of a seamstress, for both engaged in putting pieces together.  From their terms for “song” and “stitch” these poets created a name for a song or poem stitched together. 

But what is the Rhapsody in Blue?  It is an exuberant musical composition by George Gershwin.  According to Leonard Bernstein, “It’s a string of separate paragraphs stuck together.  The themes are terrific – inspired, God-given.  You can cut parts of it without affecting the whole.  You can remove any of these stuck together sections and the piece still goes on as bravely as before.  It can be a five minute piece or a twenty-five minute piece.  It’s still the Rhapsody in Blue.”

While traveling by train, Gershwin was inspired by the train noises and rhythms.  “I heard it as a musical kaleidoscope of America, of our vast melting pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our blues, our metropolitan madness.”

Once again the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony provides its audience with a special evening of beautiful music. In addition to Rhapsody In Blue with pianist, Laura Servinsky, you will hear Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst, the Polovtsian Dances by Borodin, a violin concerto by the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony’s 2009 Concerto Competition Winner, Liana Branscome, and more!  Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the finest young musicians in one of the most outstanding youth orchestras in the State of Florida!