George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (1924) is a landmark in 20th-century music. Gershwin drew upon the jazz music enveloping New York City in the 1920s to create the 'American Sound', which would inspire generations of composers in years to come.\n\nJosie D'Arby presents the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra with pianist Marc Andre Hamelin, conducted by Thomas Dausgaard, performing the piece in full from Glasgow's City Halls.\n\nThrough conversations with the Dausgaard, Hamelin and members of the orchestra, and interviews with jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph and broadcaster, critic and biographer David Benedict, the programme delves deep into Gershwin's swinging salute to the city that never sleeps, exploring the composer's desire to be taken seriously beyond Broadway, and the improvisational approach which drew together so many different musical influences to create this iconic and and much-loved piece of music.
Source: BBC 4
Series 1: Rhapsody In Blue - George Gershwin
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (1924) is a landmark in 20th-century music. Gershwin drew upon the jazz music enveloping New York City in the 1920s to create the 'American So ...
04-08-2024
BBC 4
Series 1: 4. Graal Théâtre - Kaija Saariaho
Tom Service presents a detailed analysis of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s Graal Théâtre followed by a performance of the work by the BBC Philharmonic Orch ...
08-01-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 3. The Bridge On The River Kwai - Malcolm Arnold
Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer of music in many genres. Over five decades his output included concertos, ballet music, dance suites, overtures and nine symphonies. H ...
18-12-2022
BBC 4
Series 1: 2. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra - Benjamin Britten
Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (1945) is one of the most frequently performed works of any British composer. It has introduced and enli ...
04-12-2022
BBC 4
Series 1: 3. The Bridge On The River Kwai - Malcolm Arnold
Sir Malcolm Arnold was a prolific composer of music in many genres. Over five decades his output included concertos, ballet music, dance suites, overtures and nine symphonies. H ...
18-12-2022
BBC 4
Series 1: 2. The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra - Benjamin Britten
Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (1945) is one of the most frequently performed works of any British composer. It has introduced and enli ...
04-12-2022
BBC 4
Series 1: Rhapsody In Blue - George Gershwin
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (1924) is a landmark in 20th-century music. Gershwin drew upon the jazz music enveloping New York City in the 1920s to create the 'American So ...
04-08-2024
BBC 4
Series 1: 4. Graal Théâtre - Kaija Saariaho
Tom Service presents a detailed analysis of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s Graal Théâtre followed by a performance of the work by the BBC Philharmonic Orch ...
08-01-2023
BBC 4