Rhapsody: In Blue: Gershwin

: The lush, slow middle theme (famously used for years in United Airlines commercials). Impact and Controversy

: Due to time constraints—Gershwin composed the concerto in just five weeks—the orchestration was handled by Whiteman’s arranger, Ferde Grofé . Grofé created multiple versions over the years, including the original jazz band scoring (1924) and the more common full symphonic version (1942). Musical Structure and Themes Rhapsody In Blue: Gershwin

Gershwin was initially reluctant to take on the challenge, reportedly only starting work after reading a news report that Whiteman was already planning the performance. : The lush, slow middle theme (famously used

'Rhapsody in Blue,' Gershwin's musical melting pot, at 100 : NPR Gershwin loved it so much he asked Gorman

: The iconic opening clarinet wail was not originally in the score. During rehearsals, clarinetist Ross Gorman played the opening scale with a humorous, sliding glissando. Gershwin loved it so much he asked Gorman to keep it as a permanent "ice-breaker" for the piece.