Born of Russian-Jewish parents. After having entered upon a successful career as writer of popular songs and musical comedies George Gershwin was prompted by Paul Whiteman, the King of Jazz, to write a work for a concert he was to give in December 1924. The result of this commission was the Rhapsody in Blue for piano and jazz band. Ever since its first performance this work has been tremendously successful. This work marked the beginning of a style generally labelled as Symphonic Jazz, even though Gershwin never wrote any real jazz. He simply blended jazz elements with contemporary symphonic music in order to create his own musical language. This language, with its improvising character, reminds of jazz, though at closer hearing we have to conclude that Gershwin always followed a well-considered plan. All the so-called improvised elements have their place in written out parts.

Biographical notes (c) 1996 Philips Classics Productions

A selection of works:

Orchestral: Rhapsody in Blue, Piano Concerto in F, An American in Paris, Cuban Overture, Variations on I Got Rhythm.

Chamber: Lullaby (string quartet).

Instrumental solo: Three Preludes, Rialto Ripples, Two Waltzes, The George Gershwin Songbook.

Vocal: Popular Songs such as Fascinating Rhythm, The Man I Love, Lady Be Good, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Someone to Watch Over Me, A Foggy Day.

Stage works: Musical Comedies (Funny Face, Girl Crazy, Of Thee I Sing, Let Them Eat Cake, Strike Up the Band, Pardon My English), Blue Monday (chamber opera), Porgy and Bess (folk opera).