Albany Symphony celebrates ‘Rhapsody in Blue’s’ 100th anniversary
It’s a rare person who isn’t familiar with George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
It is the most performed of all concert works and the recognition of its clarinet opening has been compared to that of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. And, it’s been the theme music in the United Air Lines commercials since 1980.
It was first performed in 1924 and is, arguably, one of the most familiar pieces written by an American composer. On Saturday, the Albany Symphony Orchestra celebrates the work’s centennial by performing the piece with Kevin Cole at the piano at Proctors in Schenectady. Cole is considered by many, to be the country’s foremost interpreter of Gershwin’s music.
In a recent telephone interview, Cole took a break from rehearsing the piece to discuss both the piece and Gershwin.
When asked why a man who has played the work, hundreds, if not thousands, of times still needs to rehearse it, he answered by describing the piece as “a gymnastic event.” He elaborated saying, “You cannot take it for granted. It can trap you at any time.”
Cole adds that this is not the typical interpretation of the work. He estimates that he and David Alan Miller, the ASO musical director and Saturday’s conductor, have been working in collaboration with the University of Michigan to produce a version that is as close as possible to the original. He quips, “We are making it fresh by going back to the original.” He says the most noticeable difference will be a faster pace.
He makes it clear that he is not against various interpretations. “Some I like; some I don’t,” he said. “But respect the original. ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ is a truly American sound that influenced music in this country for generations.”
What he clearly does not like are those who severely alter what Gershwin created and brag that they “fixed Gershwin’s mistakes.” He says, “I respond with the quote, ‘I’d rather have Gershwin’s mistakes than some hacks improvements.’”
Cole is clearly impressed and a bit protective of Gershwin, about whom he says, “was born with the gift of melody.”
He speaks of the composer’s lack of extensive formal training in classical music and comments harshly about the music critics of his day. “They not only missed the brilliance of his compositions when first performed, but they made him self-conscious about his credentials. They weren’t wise enough to recognize an artist who had his own style.”
Ironically, the masters did. Cole talks of Gershwin going to Europe and applying for tutorship from several leaders of classical music.
He points to the legendary response given to Gershwin by Maurice Ravel. It is said that the composer of “Bolero” rejected him with the words, “Why be a second-rate Ravel when you are already a first-rate Gershwin.” Though it lacks documentation, upon learning how much money Gershwin earned, it has been said he said, “You should be giving me lessons.”
Though Gershwin didn’t return from France with classical credentials, he did come home with “An American in Paris,” which he wrote while abroad in 1928.
Fortunately the ASO is not waiting four years to perform Gershwin’s other masterwork. It too is on Saturday’s program. There is also a world premiere, “Concerto For Trombone and Orchestra” by Jack Frerer. It will be performed by Greg Spiridopoulos. AMEN! By Carlos Simon is also on the program.
“Rhapsody in Blue @ 100” will be performed at Proctors in Schenectady at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 10. For information go to albanysymphony.com