As a major figure in the history of American music, George Gershwin succeeded brilliantly in creating a synthesis of Jazz with Classical music genres in a manner that has endured the test of time. Gershwin produced serious works that were daring for their time but which today have become classics of piano, orchestral, and opera literature. However, at their first performances, Gershwin's bold and innovative works confounded the New York critics, and they were, more often than not, coldly reviewed. It has been said that Gershwin bridged the musical gap between Tin Pan Alley and the great concert halls of New York through his unique musical style. Gershwin's works in Classical genres, though small in number compared to his songs for Broadway musicals and Hollywood, were interspersed throughout his relatively brief career. They were not conceived during a single period of his life. One can only imagine what Gershwin might have achieved in serious music had he lived a normal life span. However, his existing concert works elevated American music to new heights of artistic merit, and he is remembered around the world today as a true genius of early Twentieth Century music.…
