Paul Whiteman And His Orchestra 'Rhapsody In Blue' Original 1924 Acoustic 78 rpm

Original acoustic recording 10th June 1924 of George Gershwin's classic composition with Gershwin at the piano.
Released on both sides of a 12'' 78 rpm record
Amazing sound quality for an acoustic recording from the clarinet glissando ( played by Ross Gorman who played it as a joke for Gershwin during rehearsals for the première, Gershwin liked it so it stayed) the piano and orchestra.
Gershwin and Whiteman recorded it electrically 21st April 1927.

Paul Whiteman commissioned George Gershwin to write him an extended piece aiming to be the first artist to perform an all jazz concert at the Aeolian Hall in New York. He set a target of February 1924. Gershwin refused saying there wasn't enough time, however in early January 1924 his brother Ira brought to his attention an article in the New York Tribune about the concert stating that George was working on a 'Jazz Concerto'.
Gershwin spoke to Whiteman the next morning and was told Vincent Lopez was planning to steal the idea of the concert.
Gershwin finally won over set about the work on January 7th and had it completed in a few weeks, Ferde Grofe, Whiteman's arranger was given the score to orchestrate.
The concert went ahead on 12th February 1924 with Gershwin at the piano.

[ellenpearljackson]

Thank you God for these 2 beautiful gentlemen that you let come into the world and give us a beauty thank you God and God bless both of these beautiful men Rest in peace in the arms of God

[dnavid]

my dad had this 78 which I listened to as a kid and have loved the music ever since, thanks

[Da_Xman]

Absolutely⚡KILLER⚡...! Imagine hearing this in 1924 — LIVE — right there in front of you...!

[geraldsloan]

The music of George and Ira Gershwin is still very relevant today.

[thebrazilianatlantis]

"Don't let them kid you about Whiteman. He has been a big man in our music." -- Duke Ellington (to the New York Times, 1943).

[echoecho]

Omg! What a treasure!
I have always loved Rhapsody in Blue.
Thanx so very very much for sharing this wonderful recording!

[singinjohnny]

What a beautiful performance and recording! Considering the available technology back then, this sounds wonderfully full of life. It's also interesting to hear the interpretation played by wonderful musicians who lived in that time. It intrigues me to think that this was made by such a highly talented and well rehearsed band in not necessarily the most desirable conditions, considering today's comfort expectations and the fact that this was made in early June prior to air conditioning.

[loiswinters]

The very best of its time. Love Gershwin's music.

[solet]

It's fantastic, the best version I've heard!

[FelixOtterbineCox]

The electric recording gets all the attention, but this one is clearly superior in terms of interpretation.

[OfficialVertigoBand]

for some reason, I have always preferred the original acoustic recording. although the orchestration and quality of sound is little in terms of sophistication compared to other versions, I just find I love this one more than any others. I have a Columbia 78 of this played by someone else, and it's really not the same. I think its the real pronunciation on the clarinet glissando and Gershwin's masterful piano playing that really does it for me. also I feel that the original jazziness that was intended for it has been lost through the years.

[jeromemckenna]

It is amazing how good some acoustic recordings sound.

[thepartybu_]

i am 16 and i tell you this song is one of my favorites

[KBQAA]

So fun to see photos of Paul and the band. Thanks!

[mrscpc]

A great find to start my day, Thankyou

[waltergodsoe]

As a kid, eons ago, I heard and saw this performed in a bio-pic about Gershwin. I was enthralled and remained so. A marvelous painting of a world that existed and still does in some quarters. Thank You

[jimd]

I have an acetate in my collection a friend cut for me years ago that has the 1924 acoustic version and the 1927 electric version on the flip side that he took from his 1950-51 Victor LP re-issue. i didn't find out until recently that the 1927 session was conducted by Nat Shilkret. He went on to conduct Gershwin's first recording of An American in Paris for Victor in 1929.

[ddkoda]

Very good fidelity for the twilight of the acoustic era. Although I became used to the slower tempo of more recent interpretations I'm beginning to appreciate the original intent of Gershwin for a faster pace. All in all one of Gershwin's and Whiteman's masterpieces.

[JoaoFurtadoCoelho]

Many thanks for such a precious item! I knew the story of the "first night", all the thrill, the very cosmopolitan audience, etc., but only once had I heard on radio the piece with Gershwin at the piano. Very different from more "modern", symphonic renderings. Moreover the quality of this record is impeccable! Didn't know the funny story about the clarinet glissando! -:)) Shared on Google+

[jerrythemouse]

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