Leonard Bernstein said when he was accused of leaving half the notes on the way, that he didn't leave them, they just fell to the ground hahaha. Rachmaninof's concerto No. 2 is highly recommended. All the best.

How cool is that? Bernstein conducting AND playing the piano; incredibly I might add. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It’s why I scoff at the obnoxious overuse of the term genius for average musicians.

@JustJP

2 жыл бұрын

The fabled 5-star! I love to see it :D

@mgman6000

2 жыл бұрын

I saw Andre Previn play and conduct this piece at the Hollywood Bowl in the '70s I agree that it invokes a city try An American in Paris for the French city. now that you have a taste of American composers try Aaron Copeland ,Elmer Bernsteins movie music.

@KenFullman

4 ай бұрын

I did offer to play the piano part but he just didn't appreciate the gesture. This is why he had to play the piano himself.

One of the coolest pieces of music ever written. Shocked you've never heard this.

@MissAstorDancer

2 жыл бұрын

IKR?!?? THIS is exciting to watch!!!

@Lightmane

2 жыл бұрын

@@MissAstorDancer I've heard it many times, so I was going to skip ahead to listen to his thoughts, but I couldn't do it. That's power.

@MissAstorDancer

2 жыл бұрын

@@Lightmane Oh, I agree! From the very first moments, one is drawn in irresistibly!!

@jburma

2 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking -- why is this United Airlines commercial so long? kzread.info/dash/bejne/e5Nrj7Jso6i9mM4.html

Have you noticed that Bernstein is playing this entire piece from memory ? Wow !

@JustJP

2 жыл бұрын

Great point Tom!

@MrSmartAlec

2 жыл бұрын

@ksfhhnfan "Not to ruin this ..." and yet. LOL

@SarahYasmineXO

2 жыл бұрын

@ksfhhnfan I think they're talking about the conducting without sheet music not playing the piano without it

@larryselkirk426

Жыл бұрын

It's not Bernstein's first rodeo.

I just got home last night, now you have me sailing down the river, into New York City's might. Gershwin conveys the bustling streets and high towers. Bernstein leads and plays piano with assured power, and allows the composition to come to bloom, revealing a beautiful blue flower.Peace.

@JustJP

2 жыл бұрын

Sail away on symphonic seas ⛵

I cried at the end of this performance. We have witnessed an eternal work of art performed by an immortal virtuoso and his superb orchestra. Gershwin and Bernstein are both avatars of the classical jazz genre of the twentieth century.

Gershwin composed this 98 years ago, and still feels fresh! You can hear the original 1924 recording (with Gershwin on piano) here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gH2mwbmJk7mqpJs.html

Arguably the best movie opening scenes is the beginning of Rhapsody In Blue playing while the camera, filming in black and white, plays homage to Manhattan's skyline in "Manhattan"

@hannejeppesen1809

4 ай бұрын

I lived in Manhattan for 4 years off and on. I came to the US as an au pair from Denmark in the late sixties, I was in Westport Ct, for 2 years, which I loved, after 3 month back in Denmark, I returned to the US and moved to New York City, at first I didn't like it, too noisy, too many people, however I came to love NY (as long as I could get away some weekends, Westport, Long Island). I love this piece of music, when I need to relax after a long hard day, this is one of my favorite pieces. I turn it up hight have a glass of a nice California (where I now live) chardonnay, and light a candle and sit back and get lost in the music.

There is also the "Ebony Concerto" written by Stravinsky for Woody Herman in 1945 - but for a more modern piece with more jazz in it there is Dave Brubeck's 16.5 min. "Elementals" which is side 2 of his 1964 album Time Changes. It incorporates his quartet with an orchestra, so there are Paul Desmond and Brubeck solos on it. A couple of other Gershwin compositions with jazz elements are his "Concerto in F", and "American In Paris".

@markdrechsler5660

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a great Brubeck piece.

@PrimeBallard

Жыл бұрын

Gershwin and Brubeck are up there next to eachother for me, truly brilliant music even now about a hundred years later.

Oooo.. Lenny conducting and playing the piano...

Might just be my favourite classical piece

@nickavenoso7851

Ай бұрын

Between Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Elgar’s Nimrod and Barber’s Adagio for Strings for my favorite classical piece.

My favorite version of one of my favorite pieces. It always makes me picture the camera panning between fairies and mythical creatures to an art-deco commuter train full of guys in hats reading newspapers. The city rises from beneath the trees to something magnificent. The old giving way to the new, a certain melancholy about it but also acceptance and the feeling that we can somehow keep the beauty of the old world alive, merged with the new world of concrete & steel. The metropolis is born.

If you watch Disney's "Fantasia 2000", they use this piece in an animated story about New York City. You are right on the money with the feel of the tune. And yes you've definitely heard some of it before if you've watched tv at all in the last 10 years. It was the music used for United Airlines commercials that were on ever single day.

Leonard Bernstein was one of the most interesting men of the 20th century. A bon vivant, raconteur, a teacher, philosopher, and wonderful speaker. He's always been one of my heroes. And he could rock a cape like no one! I actually got to see him do this piece at the Hollywood Bowl. On the last chord, his legs shot out horizontally and parallel to the piano bench. In our part of the audience, we laughed and I shouted 10.0! But then, we all knew that L. B. was a very histrionic conductor. He was dramatic and he moved a lot with the music. He gave us West Side Story, Candide, and one of my favorite one act operas about a troubled marriage: Trouble in Tahiti. But he was torn between composing and conducting and for thinking he would only be remembered for W.S.S. He wanted to be a more prolific composer but his conducting schedule kept him very busy. You should hear him speak. He did a series about music (Young People's Concert) that was telecasted on television that influenced a generation of musicians. Later in his life, he left his family and came out as an openly gay man. I really can't say enough about him. He broke the mold. I wish he was still here. He'd be outspoken about current events (particularly as he was of Ukrainian Jewish heritage). But above all, he was a humanitarian. They just don't make 'em like that anymore!

First thought.. it's American classical but with American jazz incorporated... here we go.

Well… this was unexpected. But, to be sure, a very welcome addition to a Saturday morning. The music library of the man is beyond impressive, as are his performances. It’s always great to see reactors like yourself explore new genres and themes. For decades, the music has been used in national airline advertising. Growing up in the 1970s, one could not escape it Thanks again for the great reaction, Justin. 👍🏾

@MissAstorDancer

2 жыл бұрын

And, of course, over my lifetime, it has become an absolute requirement that this piece is performed at Independence Day celebrations every year, year after year!!!

I work in a machine shop, so I hear music all the time. The mills harmonize with the lathes, and vice versa.

I was fortunate to grow up the suburbs of NYC when Bernstein conducted the NY Philharmonic and went on a few class trips to hear one of the Young People's Concerts he directed. He would conduct the orchestra and before and between movements he'd explain the music, having the musicians play various themes and motifs. In particular I remember them doing "Also Sprach Zarathustra." He was quite the performer and this was a great cultural gift to the youth of the region. And now, listen to the music he composed, including the musicals West Side Story and Candide, the Chinchester Psalms and his Mass and you'll see what an incredible talent he was.

It requires such an enormous level of synchronicity between a soloist/conductor and the orchestra to make this piece come together so seamlessly. I have performed in this work on French Horn and even the most vigorous rehearsals were made so fun just from the mood set by the music. Side note - the leap-frogging Bernstein employs throughout this work is similar to the method Tony Banks uses in The Lamb!

On the nose!!! It was written to evoke the sense of an urban giant landscape; NYC to be precise. It takes you through an entire day of hustle, bustle, industrial might, the beauty of the city at nightfall; just listen for it all. A musical treasure.

Yes! Open up a book by F. Scott Fitzgerald and listen to this masterpiece and you are instantly transported to New York in the 1920s. To me, this music and The Great Gatsby work together in tandem.

Thanks for doing this reaction, Justin! Gershwin was a great composer of songs, and also of concert music. His opera, "Porgy and Bess", is part jazz, part classical. Songs from that opera, like "Summertime", have become universal 'standards'. Leonard Bernstein was a great concert pianist, a fine conductor, a composer of classical music and music theatre shows including "West Side Story" (recently remade in movie form by Steven Spielberg), and an astoundingly great presenter of TV programs introducing people to music. He spoke to people as an enthusiastic lover of music, not talking down to us as a snob at all. When I was a small kid, he presented "Young Peoples Concerts" on TV every Saturday, and I was enraptured by him weekly. Then my parents took me to hear him conduct the NY Philharmonic on tour in Vancouver when I was 6 years old (after I had been seeing his weekly shows for a couple of years), for my first live symphony concert. What a rush! (And after the concert, they took me backstage to meet the Maestro. He autographed my program, which I still treasure, more than 50 years later. And I have plenty of his recordings in my collection, too.) Lenny was classically trained, obviously, and also a huge supporter of jazz. In addition, he became a fan of some of the music his children were listening to in the 1960s, including The Beatles. He talked admiringly about their music on several of his TV shows, both for kids, and also for adults (in part of his televised Norton lecture series at Harvard University).

And worth noting this was composed 98 years ago by a 26 year old.

Now THAT is a piece of American classical music... As for Leonard playing the piano and conducting, well, way way back in the centuries the composure used to play and conduct... or maybe the first violin used to do it hence the name the 1st violinist has, leader of the orchestra. Eventually it transposed to being one guy standing out front and leading. And I love the way you get the city sounds out of it. Being from England whenever I listen to this piece I can se 20's New York particularly... it was after all where Gershwin and his brother lived and grew up. Great piece and great that you enjoyed it. I believe there is a piano roll somewhere of George Gershwin playing it himself. Way back in the fifties I grew up listening to this as my parents had a record of the Paul Whiteman Orchestra playing this... So I have been listening to it for 60 years... Still gives me goosebumps.

@EdDunkle

Жыл бұрын

I've always wondered if it translated well overseas. For me, in Los Angeles, it's my favorite piece of American music.

As a Baby Boomer, my generation were the luckiest ever!! Besides the great music of the 60's, 70's and 80's, we also were able to dip our toes in the music of the 30's, 40's and 50's. Here in the UK we had one basic music station so it catered for EVERYONE, you took the rough with the smooth. So I was privileged to taste Mozart, Chopin, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Sinatra, Satchmo, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, some I liked, some not so, but it whetted my appetite, it opened up a myriad of avenues of different music to explore! Today there are dozens of music channels/stations but they each tend to play ONE narrow genre of music so the young kids of today by and large only listen to what they like, which is fine I suppose, but so narrow and limiting!! My proudest moment happened about 18 months ago, my son, in his early 30's rang me full of excitement telling me that he'd heard this music on some random radio station, I must listen to it. I groaned, as his and my taste in music seldom merged, 'Dave Brubeck', I think you'll like it, I'll send you the link. I smiled a rather self satisfied smile, at least musically I had brought my son up well!! He didn't appreciate it at the time, but now..........😂😂😂🇬🇧

All right! I first fell in love with this piece in Woody Allen’s film Manhattan. When the wistful strings come in at about 13:15 I always get a little emotional . Also, check out Woody Allen’s spoof of War and Peace, Love and Death. One of the main musical themes is from Sergei Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kije (Troika). What a beautiful song...with sleigh bells!

@SpuddySpud

2 жыл бұрын

It's hard not to imagine the Manhattan skyline in black and white when hearing this

an american masterpiece by george gershiwn. simply beautiful. to understand the american songbook you must know of george gershwin.

The smile on your face says it all. Thanks.

One of my favorite places of all time ❤

There were two albums released in the late 80's or early 90's - Gershwin The Piano Rolls. It is George playing George and shows early overdubbing and multitracking on piano rolls, absolutely masterful. I believe the Smithsonian compiled it.

Probably the greatest piece of American music ever written. Pure America.

Lovely piece of semi-classical music. Brilliantly played by probably the best combination of pianist and orchestra, they just seem to gel so well together. Mum and Dad would play this on an old 'gramophone' and us kids would sit in wonderment. And after 60-plus years the magic is still there. Timeless quality.

An ultra famous, neo-classical work. I'd have been surprised if you hadn't recognised it, even if only in part, it's that iconic. A fantastic piece, at times delicate, complex, powerful, and very evocative. And of course, re your talk of cityscapes, now largely synonymous with New York City. As well as the jazz age links, the piece's use famously as the opening to the Woody Allen movie Manhattan. Yep, this's a really great, piece of music.

@rk41gator

2 жыл бұрын

Good that Justin is putting this out there for younger people to pick up. Great music for listening is great. Hopefully classical music can make a 'come back' for this generation.

@jfergs.3302

2 жыл бұрын

@@rk41gator Aye, indeed, and kids should be exposed to classical music in school. I was, and it worked for me. JP does dip his toe periodically in classical waters, so to speak. We've had some Holst in the past, and Stravinsky a few months ago. I've mentioned Bach a few times, but he's yet to make an appearance :) I think JS Bach would be a good fit here. A number of classically trained prog musicians have dipped into JSB's canon for inspiration in their contemporary works.

@rk41gator

2 жыл бұрын

@@jfergs.3302 Yes, I have heard many, many great rock soloists say they had listened and/or studied Bach. Personally I think Mahler and Prokofiev (Romeo and Juliet) rock! When I hear 'Rite of Spring' I think of Genesis'' The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway'!

@jfergs.3302

2 жыл бұрын

@@rk41gator Interesting. When I hear 'The Rite of Spring', I think of Yes. TRoS, Is what they'd play Immediately before taking the stage at their live shows. There's just so many great composers/classical music, it's a rich vein to mine. I'm partial to Mahler myself (symphony No2, in particular), and Prokofiev. I heard Prokofiev's 'Dance of the Knights' from Romeo, and Juliet as a child, It blew me away. The whole work is superb and I've since seen the ballet a couple of times. The piece is majestic live. I'd be hard pressed to pick a fave though. I hover between a few, though I do return to Beethoven's works probably more than any others. Happy listening :)

@rk41gator

2 жыл бұрын

@@jfergs.3302 It is impossible to go wrong with Beethoven. Such a body of work. 'Classical' is so diverse. Hindemith has not quite whetted my fancy though. The reason I think of Genesis over other bands (Yes, of course should be in this discussion) is that I see Genesis as using the musicians as part of symphony of sorts. Like Stravinsky, Genesis looked at their choice of instruments and thought to expand their range of use. They brought rock and jazz rhythms, surprising dynamics and interesting chord progressions to create totally new works that pushed the envelope yet added so much subtlety and nuance that most other bands at the time never bothered to find. Pink Floyd and maybe King Crimson would be the exceptions. Paved the way for Radiohead and so many others.

Dude, you walked into one! Master work. Bernstein!

This is why I follow you. You react to stuff that no one else does. Yes, the opening instrument is a clarinet. And that sliding note that he does is very, very difficult.

@JustJP

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Christine :)

Among the greatest musicians and composers of the 20th century were Gershwin and Bernstein. Although they wrote many other pieces, Gershwin is best known for Rhapsody and Bernstein for his brilliant score to West Side Story - imo, the greatest movie musical ever written. Either the '64 original or Spielbergs recent adaptation are a must see.

@andersbonde2593

2 жыл бұрын

In my humble opinion, Bernstein as a conductor was also the best interpreter of Gustav Mahler's unique music.

@SarahYasmineXO

2 жыл бұрын

@@andersbonde2593 Definitely, and I also love his Beethoven interpretations the most

George Gershwin, an American treasure, hard to believe that everyone in the US has not heard this, if you like piano, listen to Duke Ellington solo recital in Paris, about an hour, not to be missed, good reaction!

Liquid Tension Experiment just covered “RiB.” There are many fine and very different renditions of this classic piece to be found. The 1979 black and white film “Manhattan” used it to stunningly beautiful effect during the film’s opening sequences.

@PaulMDove2

2 жыл бұрын

LTE's RiB is more an interpretation than a cover, but I feel Gershwin would have approved because he himself improvised much of the piano solo when it was first performed and many others since then have also improvising the piano parts. And "Manhattan" was also brought to mind listening, of course the line "this was still a town that existed in black and white and pulsated to the great tunes of George Gershwin" .

What a great Saturday opener! Gershwin really was the initiator of this style of music in the 1920s. His Variations on I Got Rhythm for piano and orchestra is really stellar particularly if you can find the version with Bernard Herrmann conducting the London Festival Recording Ensemble. Also you have to watch the film MANHATTAN (1980) now which makes great use of Gershwin's music in a delightful comedy of manners.

@jerkedevries

2 жыл бұрын

Hey ‘I got rhythm’ is also sung and played on Platinum by Mike Oldfield; nice! Jp reacted to that record on the channel and was impressed by Oldfield’s performance

With all the other reactors and requesters online, hats off to you, this took some guts in the face of a lot of drivel the media calls music, as if theirs is the only kind. From an ex- music teacher. Bernstein's control in piano of expression, and esp dynamics [loud and soft] are incredible. This has got to be the most expressive interpretations I have ever heard. They didn't call him the Maestro for making a great cheesecake. Also look up the New Orleans trad jazz group Tuba Skinny, on You Tube. They have been invited to play at the Newport Jazz Festival this year.

Gershwin really managed to synthesise classical music (which he had an education in) with the popular music from the time, like jazz. I love his music. And the instrument at the start is indeed a clarinettist! A soloist conducting does happen, but usually not with a pianist and mostly with smaller ensembles, like string ensembles. For this particular piece, Disney also did an animation in their Fantasia videos, which is one of my favourites and depicts the busy city you said it reminded you of.

And Gershwin wrote some of the greatest popular songs ever! Many Broadway shows. BTW, he wrote the music for Porgy & Bess as well as other orchestral pieces including American in Paris and Concerto in F. Unfortunately he died quite young at 39 year of age. FUI, one of the Airlines used this in a commercial a few years ago.

Amazed by this video - I have lots of Bernstein / NY Philharmonic albums, but with I was never aware that Leonard was a concert pianist! I'll now have to check to see if he ever played on any of the NY Philharmonic albums. The NY Philharmonic Orchestra did record "Rhapsody In Blue" for the soundtrack to the 1979 movie Manhattan, but that was conducted by Zubin Mehta, with Gary Graffman on piano. My younger sister was fascinated by Gershwin in grade school, and even learned how to play "Rhapsody" on the piano -- even rehearsed some of the tricky hand cross bits over and over!

This is fabulous. I recommend Bernstein's Candide. Another thrilling piece.

What a nice surprise and a very good version 👍

Bernstein is one of my favorite conductors because he almost always points out the dynamics and finds the speed in a way that I find they should be done. And I think one reason for that is that he is not fixed on "classical" music but interested in other genres, too. One of the great things he did is a series of "Young People's Concerts" with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra that were filmed and some of the parts are available on youtube. Musical theory in small pieces so that unexperienced people can follow and learn a lot. Wonderful. Whenever I bought a CD with classical music and I had to choose between Bernstein and another conductor I decided to take Bernstein and not one time I was disappointed. It happens more often that a pianist is also conducting. A great exemple for that is the Austrian Friedrich Gulda playing and conducting Beethovens's Piano Concerto No. 5. Gulda is seen as one of the best Beethoven pianists of all time ( I think he is THE reference for everyone who wants to play Beethoven piano works because he was an eccentric and Beethoven was one, too ) kzread.info/dash/bejne/qZl_wa5tn9vIddI.html I like mixture of genres, too. Around 1970 there was a Dutch band called Ekseption who made some interesting adaptions of classical music combined with Jazz and Rock among others a 4 minute version of the Rhapsody in Blue: kzread.info/dash/bejne/anVqwcuuppTacaQ.html

@carolemerckel3461

2 жыл бұрын

I and my family would watch those concerts on TV back in the day when I was growing up in Michigan.

Loved it. Cartoons and commercials, it was leaked to me as a child and teen. Maybe saw some performances on public tv or variety shows. Finally, while perusing rummage sales I picked up an audiophile’s cassette collection on the cheap with RIB in it. Love person’s choices and equipment, that didn’t sound right. Anyway, great choice this morn. Hadn’t seen a conductor playing with the orchestra either. Very interesting and entertaining. I’ll pick up my jaw now. Peace and type II Music

Gershwin, Aaron Copeland, and Duke Ellington are three of America’s greatest composers. This is classical with jazz elements.

You've gotta hand it to United Airlines for selecting a piece of this as their corporate theme music. Really a masterclass in the use of music in corporate branding. I cannot hear it without thinking of all the times I've heard it on their planes and on the underground moving walkway to C concourse at O'Hare.

So thrilled to see a reaction to this beautiful, powerful piece! Bernstein and Gershwin - what a combo! And the visuals that you mentioned it evokes are are right on the money (IMO) - it was written in the mid-twenties, during the "jazz age" and certainly, if NY City has a "song" it's this. Glad I found your channel - I really enjoyed your reaction!

Gershwins piano concerto is a must listen as well

Loved your reaction! FYI, Rhapsody in Blue is (Still) the most requested piece for orchestras all over the world. Gershwin is (IMHO) the best composer America has ever produced.

Enjoy the diversity of music on your channel. 👍

Grew up watching the Young peoples concerts by LB and the NYP

Gershwin was a true master. Sumptuous melodies, amazing chord and rhythm changes, and capturing the line between classical and jazz perfectly. He died far too young, still in his 30s. You should also try his "An American in Paris". And Bernstein is one of the greats - it's rare to see someone both conduct and solo. And yes, it has an urban feel - it's pretty much an unofficial anthem of New York. It's used quite a lot in movies - it was one of the main pieces in Woody Allen's movie "Manhattan", for instance.

If you looked for a CD/LP? of Rhapsody in Blue (1924), you would usually find it paired with An American in Paris (1928, so you might want to look into that one). Interestingly, there is a part for a tenor banjo in the percussion that you don't always come across. Great to see The Maestro Bernstein conducting and handling piano duty at the same time. Eumir Deodato did a version in 1973. Rhapsody? It was licensed by United Airlines for its commercial use, a former United employee cites becoming tearful whenever hearing it. Romantic, Inspirational, Pep, Positive, Timeless, American. A great piece to enjoy, from young to old.

I used to collect versions of this piece, back in the days of vinyl. One of my favorite albums had another amazing Bernstein piece as the B side, well worth a listen, "An American in Paris". I would love to hear your reaction to it. Great work. Keep it up.

Perfect music for a Saturday morning! I've only experienced listening to an orchestra in a concert hall a few times, but boy is it magical! This became an American classic, and you're absolutely correct about probably hearing parts of it before - it's been used a lot in all sorts of contexts. Thanks, Justin!

This was one my dad's favorites!

This was my father's favorite piece of music. My dad would have been 99 years old this year. This makes me think of him. Thank you for this fantastic memory. This is one of the many types of music he taught me to appreciate. Because of my father, I listen to music from the Classics to Jazz to Swing and into Progressive rock as I aged. Music was always something that we could talk about, listen to and enjoy together. But, George Gershwin was his favorite. He even had his picture of George in his office. The Gershwin Song Book is a deep dive into some of the most beautiful music created during the first half of the 20th century. Even if you do not react to any more of Gershwin's music on the channel, do yourself a favor and explore it for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

RiB is a great introductory piece to the classical world. I would also recommend Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F which is, if anything, even better than this. The recording of both pieces (along with An American In Paris) by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra with André Previn also conducting and playing piano is sublime.

@jgdmlw

2 жыл бұрын

The piano concerto in F is a really wild piece. I agree…maybe better than RiB. I love An American in Paris also.

And it is all acoustic! The intersection of genres can create amazing works. I have always thought of progressive rock as a blend of classical and rock. I am also thrilled you have listened to this as it is a hugely important piece of music. I think you will want to listen to Big Brother and the Holding Company's (featuring Janis Joplin on vocals) cover of Gershwin's "Summertime". It is amazing.

Rhapsody In Blue has always been a favorite, and nostalgic, piece for me because my father used to have a 78 rpm recording of an early performance with Gershwin playing the piano on it. My dad often would play various versions of this and repeat a story about the day in his teens, in the 1930s, he was whistling the melody and his boss asked him what it was; he was always very proud that he was able to influence others to listen to Gershwin. I'm very happy that as we get close to its centenary it's still popular, that you've reacted to it, and that Liquid Tension Experiment after many years of performing their interpretation recently released a studio version. Now you've reacted to an orchestral version how about a reaction to the LTE version?

Wow! When I saw you doing this, I couldn't tap on it fast enough! It's an incredible piece. It's American classical in a sense. Gonna watch you enjoy it now! You may have heard part of this as a youngster when it was used by United Airlines in their ads. I think you capsulized it well with the city feel! It's exactly what I hear too. Having said that, a couple of years ago I put this on as I walked my dog, after Mr. Bernstein's solo, I came over a hill, and as the piece softened I saw 3 deer crossing the road. It was just one of those "surprised by joy" moments that flashes before my eyes whenever I hear it sense. A city theme for the country as well.

I'm no expert either, but I know what I like [in your wardrobe ,ha ,ha]. No, but seriously, that was AWESOME. I've heard some of this piece before but not in it's entirety. I really enjoyed it, as well as the background story you provided. It is good to mix things up Justin because great music is timeless, regardless of genre. Thanks to the person/s who requested it. Loved every minute of it.

WOW !!!!! This reminded me of Jerry Garcia's RHAPSODY IN RED !!!!! 💘💘💘💘💘💘

Just something to notice, Bernstein played that piece with no sheet music in front of him, all from memory... pretty impressive on top of just being a world class conductor and piano player...discuss

@shawni321

2 жыл бұрын

Not only was his piano part committed to memory, Bernstein had every instrument memorized. These maestros are amazing.

What a great piece! I've heard the melody before, but I've never heard the entire piece. Thanks!

This was covered whimsically by Rick Wakeman! It was on the album "Rhapsodies".

Great stuff. Thanks.

@JustJP

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Really cool, something different. I love Gershwin with this mix of jazz/blues and "classic music". It's also a good opportunity to draw your attention to Keith Emmerson's "Piano Concerto No. 1". I don't think that's as good as "Rhapsody in Blue", but it's definitely worth listening to.

@falcongal63

2 жыл бұрын

I love that piece by Keith Emerson! Well worth a listen for Justin.

@EdDunkle

Жыл бұрын

That's interesting. Emerson's piece is pretty good, but it doesn't coalesce in the way that Gershwin does. Like so much progressive music it feels sort of cut and paste. FWIW, Billy Joel wrote some decent piano pieces on his attempt at classical music.

From one to another, Hello JP Way back when, in the early days of what would become orchestras, the leader (Kapellmeister in German) was often at the keys, though it was likely Clavichord and Harpsichord (piano not yet being a thing) or his preferred instrument. It wasn't until later that Conductors didn't play all the time.

First time I heard that piece was at the beginning of the film Manhattan by Woody Allen. I fell in love with it right away! For a long time, I wanted to learn to play clarinet just to be able to play the beginning of the piece (never did, I have zero discipline).

Ooooo.... JP doing more classical... Let's have a listen and see what you thin about on of America's premier composers..

One of my top-5 orchestral pieces.

George Gershwin was a brilliant pianist; the piano parts in this piece are really difficult. Interestingly Gershwin felt he did not know enough about classical music, so he wanted to study it with Nadia Boulanger (a famous French music teacher who had many well-known composers, musicians or conductors as students, for example Aaron Copland, Astor Piazolla, Daniel Barenboim or Quincy Jones), but she rejected him because she feared his original jazzy style would be ruined by the classical influence (Boulanger was well-known for supporting the originality of her students; there are lots of anecdotes about that). He then approached Maurice Ravel, who rejected him for a similar reason ("Why would you want to be a second-rate Ravel when you can be a first-rate Gershwin"?). He then approached Stravinsky who rejected him too, but with a much more pragmatical approach. He asked Gershwin how much money he made per year, and when Gershwin told him Stravinsky drily said "Then perhaps I should take lessons from you". I (Friederike) saw a performance of this in the late 80s when I was around 20; the WDR Big Band (considered by many to be one of the best if not THE best big band in the world) played it with the Labeque sisters (Katia and Marielle; a famous classical piano duo who had other musical interests too, with Katia leaning towards jazz and rock and Marielle towards ancient music) in a double piano version. Katia, by the way, was married to famous guitar player John McLaughlin for a while; in 1990 he released the album "Concerto for Guitar & Orchestra 'The Mediterranean' ", of which the last 5 tracks are duos for guitar and piano which was played by Katia; the first 3 tracks of the album are the 3 movements of the concerto. Katia also co-founded the band "B for Bang" which released two albums with Beatles covers (in radically altered versions), "Across the Universe of Languages" in 2008 and "Rewires the Beatles" in 2010; she plays piano in the band. As an example for this their version of "Helter Skelter", the 4th track on their first (the track can originally be found on side 3 of the 1968 album "The Beatles" aka as "The White Album" and is considered by a lot of people to be the first Heavy Metal song ever. Yes, the Beatles and Heavy Metal)! With B for Bang this track starts deceptively mellow before it suddenly explodes with some wild piano by Katia; here a video of them playing it. Katia is really flipping out on this one! kzread.info/dash/bejne/oKuutrBsccSzeMY.html If you are interested in completely new interpretations of Beatles songs the two albums of B for Bang are highly recommended.

@mjsmcd

2 жыл бұрын

Thankyou Jeanine

It has always been New York. Well observed. Gershwin was popular with his songs. decided to dive into the classical idiom. We win, Porgy and Bess was a beautiful work, His piano concertos also jazz based. are wonderful but lesser heard. This was a great performance. The piano works of the French composer Ravel, is the European response to the Jazz idiom. Also from the twenties.

Excellent! More than pleasantly surprised you did this. Have always loved this piece. Thank you Justin. Great way to start off a Saturday morning. Definitely will always be associated with NYC. Used greatly in the opening of Woody Allen’s great film Manhattan.

I've watched this video so many times and still amazed that Leonard Bernstein can play the piano and conduct at the same time

The smooth dynamic glides were really cool. Fun to see his hands do the work. His lectures are a must-watch, with some great subject matter, including jazz. You mention that it reminded you of big cities? Well, for my money, the most iconic use of the song is in the intro to Woody Allen's Manhattan, which is all about the big city. Enjoy! : kzread.info/dash/bejne/aWqgw6iwoL3Lk7Q.html I got to attend his last public performance at the Tanglewood estate, in the leafy hills of Massachusetts. A venue worth planning to attend. Just up the coast. Lenny, as I like to call him, and he doesn't seem to mind, is an American, nay, a world, even solar systemic treasure. Thanks for the additional background. Peace.

This song is definitely about New York. You can hear it. It's very much like Boccherini's "La Musica Notturna Delle Strade di Madrid" That Boccherini said was inspired by the sounds of Madrid. So you can hear things in the song...the sound of tram horns...people moving...the kinetic energy of the living city.

Hi JP. DP from UK, Lazing On A Sunny Afternoon. The variety of music you play, and your brilliant reactions, is why you're the best, Justin. The use of classical music in rock and jazz is what attracted me to the originals, but like you, I'm still into symphonic rock and metal. And it's a jazz/funk version of Rhapsody In Blue by Deodato that I own; he improvises mainly around the romantic melody (around 13 mins) rather than the better known jazzy themes. P.S, my song ref Lazing... is by The Kinks.

It is somewhat rare for a soloist to also conduct, but some of the great pianists and also violinists and cellists have conducted the orchestra while also performing. Some of the people who have done this are Askenazy, Horowitz, Bell and Yo Yo Ma.

You are one guy that I know would really get into the music of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s. Glen Miller Tommy Dorsey Can Calloway Count Basie These are the bands where Sinatra, Como, Billie Holiday, Lena Horn, Doris Day etc etc George and Ira Gershwin were responsible for some big time hits mid century, and the song books for more than a few Broadway shows, and movies.

I remember hearing this in the movie theatre at the begining of "Manhatten", true AWESOMENESS !

I can't hear this song without thinking of United Airlines' ads during the 1980s. hahahahaha

Total fusion. Incorporates elements of blues, jazz and neo-classical. That opening clarinet riff blows me away every time.

_"...MY hands would be all tied up!"_ Ha! You do watch a lot of cartoons! lol But yeah, I totally get that. The reason I can appreciate this music is definitely based on my exposure to several decades of Loony Tunes, Merry Melodies, and their ilk. Echoes of a smart ass, Brooklin sounding, _wascally wabbit_ have always been in the back of my mind whenever I was engaged in less than exemplary behaviour. ;-]

The whole 'conductor at the piano' thing exists in the classical world, usually with piano-centric pieces such as Rhapsody in Blue and piano concertos. But it is far more prevalent in musical theatre, broadway. Oftentimes there just is no budget for a stick-only conductor, so you have to play the piano part as well, and more increasingly shows are literally written with this in mind - the sheet music you would read from to play the show is literally called the 'Piano-Conductor Score.'

There is a video of the original performance with Gershwin himself on piano, with the Paul Whiteman orchestra, in, I believe, 1926. Not to take anything away from Bernstein and this performance, but the original, with the composer is truly worthwhile.

Legendary piece of music that will be heard hundreds of years from now.Epic!

OH WOW! Not only did you pick my favorite piece of music EVER, but you chose my favorite performance of it!!! THank you so very very much! (new subscriber) - PS I have never SEEN it before. You win!

Every time you move that scratchy input level pot on your audio recorder, I'm tempted to send you a can of DeoxIt, JP. Hurts my heart to hear it ;)

United Airlines has used this in their commercials for many, many years.

Fantastic! Love that you go beyond the usual. Again fantastic!!

OMG. I have been waiting for this reaction....and you did this 7 months ago? I have been slacking my searches. Subbing!

I'm so glad you chose this great masterpiece of the most uniquely American style of music: namely JAZZ. George Gershwin expresses the freedom we feel in our bones. And yes very evocative of New York City and brings back memories of my first trip to the Big Apple in 1967. I fell in love with the city in all of it's majesty immediately. Love this piece so much. Thank you, Justin.

Growing up in Michigan, way back when (I'm over 70 today) our family used two watch his "Young People's Concerts" on TV. The shows were always an education into different forms of music. Wish that today's children could have something like that to listen to for a well-rounded musical education.

Masterpiece among Masterpieces. This song should be in a buried vault to open 1000 years from now. God willing! ThanksJP!

i use to listen to rock but this is wonderful