George Gershwin Biography


George Gershwin was a very different kind of composer.  The music of George Gershwin contains a mixture of classical and jazz.  It is very hard to compare what composer George Gershwin is similar to.  To give you an idea of what his music style sounds like, watch the cartoon "Tom and Jerry".  Apart from being a good quality cartoon in general, the music score of this cartoon is phenomenal, and sounds very much like the style of George Gershwin.  The music uses only orchestral instruments, has many classical moments, and jazzes it up with some 7/4 time, the common time for jazz.  There are some "call and respond" moments, when a trumpet may be the caller, and a trombone may be the responder.  This is also typical of jazz, and George Gershwin implemented this into some of his greatest works. 

George Gershwin composed operas, symphonies, musicals, and 3 preludes for the piano.  His most famous symphony work is called Rhapsody in Blue.  This symphonic piece composed by George Gershwin, consists of classical style and jazz style.  Rhapsody in Blue is a wonderful composition, and if you are an open minded listener to music, Rhapsody in Blue probably will get you hooked.

George Gershwin's most famous opera is called Porgy and Bess.  This opera is very musical, and can beat any Mozart opera ever written.  Porgy and Bess also sounds very jazzy, typical of the writing style of George Gershwin

George Gershwin only composed 3 preludes, but they are very high quality and jazzy sounding.  His preludes are difficult to play, and very irregular.  The left hand may have a pattern that is not typical of a piano piece, however the preludes of George Gershwin are nevertheless valued by pianists.