Taught by renowned pianist
Jon Kimura Parker
Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue is an icon of American culture and one of the most ingenious musical creations of the 20th century. From the opening clarinet glissando to the final flourish between piano and orchestra, the piece is filled with colorful orchestration and dynamic rhythms depicting the hustle and bustle of 1920s urban life, as well as countless memorable motives and melodies capturing the passion and yearning of the era. Join concert pianist and professor at Rice University Jon Kimura Parker as he shares his insights on the piece after decades of performing it in both pops and classical arrangements.
Rhapsody in Blue – History of an iconic piece
In this introduction to his lessons on Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, Jon Kimura Parker recounts the haphazard origins of the iconic work, explores its genre-defying status, and digs in to the fascinating history of its composition and instrumentation.
Rhapsody in Blue – Primary themes & virtuoso passagework
In this lesson, Jon Kimura Parker breaks down the first half of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, up to the point where the iconic "soaring theme" enters. Much like a Mozart concerto, the piece begins with an orchestral tutti that spells out the work's primary thematic material before preparing for an unassuming entrance by the soloist. Thereafter, the piano alternates between solos that elaborate upon the main themes and virtuoso passagework that serves as energy and filigree for the orchestra part. Parker approaches the piece from a pianist's perspective, analyzing the innovative keyboard writing and offering tips for executing each passage in turn.
Rhapsody in Blue – Soaring theme, cadenza, & coda
In this lesson, Jon Kimura Parker explores the iconic "soaring theme" of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, first heard in the orchestra before being developed by the piano and the whole ensemble together. The ensuing solo evokes the rhythms of the train Gershwin took from New York to Boston when conceiving the work. Parker reveals the genius of the piano writing, offering practical advice on executing the energetic cadenza and the final triumphant climax.
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Unlock Course →Known for his passionate artistry and engaging stage presence, with multiple solo appearances at the Berlin Philharmonie, London’s South Bank, the Sydney Opera House, and the Beijing Concert Hall, Jon Kimura Parker continues to perform to great acclaim ever since his First Prize win at the 1984 Leeds Competition.
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