Rhapsody In Blue

George Gershwin (1898-1937) was known as a songwriter, but was interested in writing larger works. In 1922 he was commissioned to write a concerto for piano and orchestra. Rhapsody in Blue is one of his most famous works. This arrangement for band, without piano, is not a recreation of the original, but rather an exploration of many of the themes found in this composition. Clarinets all cross the break, and the 1st trumpet's highest note is G.