Concerto in F

Continuing our series with the music for our upcoming concert featuring the World Doctors Orchestra, we explore Gershwin’s Concerto in F, written just one year after the premiere of Rhapsody in Blue. Written with the form of a more “traditional” piano concerto, this piece gives an even more authentic voice to the “Gershwin sound” – unlike Rhapsody, he orchestrated the entire concerto himself!

Utilizing the popular dance rhythms of the 20’s (like the Charleston), Gershwin thought the concerto “represented the young enthusiastic spirit of American life” in addition to incorporating elements of American blues. Filled again with Gershwin’s beautiful, catchy melodies, the piece was featured in films such as the Gershwin biopic Rhapsody in Blue (1945) and An American in Paris (1951) with Gene Kelly. If you are a fan of Rhapsody in Blue, you do NOT want to miss how Gershwin pushed the piano and orchestra into new musical territory with Concerto in F!