Rhapsody in Blue Chamber Orchestra Edition
Gershwin’s masterpiece orchestrated for 6 Winds, 1 percussion, Banjo, Piano Solo, and Strings
In creating this chamber orchestra edition of Gershwin’s masterpiece, the orchestrator returned to Gershwin’s original handwritten manuscript.
This orchestration remains true to Gershwin’s music.
This edition can be played with as few as 14 musicians.
The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra premiered this edition in their October 3rd, 2020 streaming concert featuring Aaron Diehl at the piano.
Title: Rhapsody in Blue Chamber Orchestra Edition
Composer: George Gershwin/Orchestrated by Tim Berens
Description: After George Gershwin’s masterpiece entered the public domain in 2020, Tim and Louise Berens returned to Gershwin’s handwritten two piano score to create this edition. Prepared with unflinching attention to detail, it remains faithful to Gershwin’s musical intent, while taking full advantage of modern music engraving and printing practices.
The result is a chamber orchestra edition of Rhapsody in Blue that sounds lush, is easy for players to read, and efficient for conductors to rehearse.
The form of this edition exactly matches the form of the 1924 Two Pianos Four Hands edition. This edition is available for purchase, not rental, with no future performance fees.
Instrumentation: Flute, Clarinet doubling Bass Clarinet, Horn in F, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, 1 percussion, Banjo (optional), Piano Solo and Strings
Length: 18:00
Purchase Price: $350.00 for parts. $29.00 for the score. Note this is a purchase, not a rental.
Enjoy this performance by Charles Roberts with the Glenn Gould School Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Pedro Larrain.
O.C.H. in Oslo, Norway recently purchased Rhapsody in Blue Chamber Orchestra Edition by George Gershwin.
Rhapsody in Blue Chamber Orchestra Edition was premiered by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, with John Morris Russell conducting, and Aaron Diehl at the piano, in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this edition perfectly match the 1924 and 1942 editions in form?
The form is identical to the 1924 Two Pianos Four Hands edition, and to the 1942 orchestration. A pianist who already knows Rhapsody in Blue can play this edition at the first rehearsal. The orchestration was inspired by the detailed orchestration instructions in George Gershwin’s handwritten original composition.
Will a pianist who already knows Rhapsody in Blue be able to play this edition effortlessly?
Yes. A pianist who already knows the original 1924 George Gershwin piano solo part will play this edition effortlessly at the first rehearsal.
