Tuesday 17 March 2020

This not an American Popular song.  However, Maurice Ravel, outstanding French impressionist composer, was highly influenced by American jazz. You can hear it the first movement of his Concerto in G.
Gershwin wanted to study with Ravel in Paris. Ravel asked him "   How much money did you make last year ? "
Gershwin answered " $ 100,000 USD."
Ravel then answered " I want to study with you !"

The bristling excitement of  the American zeitgeist ( spirit) in the 20's and 30 's is evident in this piece of music. It's Ravel's answer to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and American in Paris.

 https://youtu.be/FX4y7EMBG6A

No comments:

Post a Comment