Part I. Christmas impressions for string orchestra ; Part II. An analysis of George Gershwin's piano solo version of Rhapsody in blue

Abstract

Part one, Christmas Impressions For String Orchestra is a piece based on Christmas songs that the composer heard as a child. The songs, including Jingle Bells, Adeste Fideles, Angels We Have Heard on High, Deck The Halls, The First Noel, Silent Night, What Child Is This, Il est né le Divin Enfant, Joy To The World, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, are either combined or are freely varied for the purposes of creating musical interest. Compositional techniques include dissonant harmony, harmonic substitution, complex chords, rearranged accompaniment, melodic transformation, modal treatment, and jazz-like voicings. Part two examines George Gershwin's piano solo version of Rhapsody In Blue. The aim is to discover how the American music spirit is reflected in this great work. The study presents a brief account of Gershwin's background, followed by a parametric analysis including form, harmony, tonal centers outline, rhythmic structure, textural structure, and climaxes. The thesis shows that, despite putative shortcomings, Gershwin created a revolutionary fusion of American popular and Western classical music elements. The detailed examination of the Rhapsody proves that genius and artistry existed and flourished in Gershwin's music.