SoundWaves with The Florida Orchestra

Program Notes: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue

February 13, 2024 Season 2 Episode 7
Program Notes: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
SoundWaves with The Florida Orchestra
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SoundWaves with The Florida Orchestra
Program Notes: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
Feb 13, 2024 Season 2 Episode 7

This program is packed with American greats in honor of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a smash hit since its debut 100 years ago. “I wanted to put it on a pedestal because it deserves to be there,” says TFO Music Director Michael Francis. The concert starts with jazzy fanfare Herald, Holler & Hallelujah composed by Wynton Marsalis before launching into Mason Bates’ Alternative Energy, which goes techno with a conductor’s laptop and monitors for the musicians, among other surprises. Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On the Town follows three sailors on a one-day shore leave in New York. And serious Russian master Stravinsky shows his quirky American side with his jazzy, bluesy Ebony clarinet concerto, featuring Natalie Hoe. These program notes include music excerpts.

Masterworks 7 of the 23/24 Season
Performances Feb. 17 & 18, 2024

Show Notes

This program is packed with American greats in honor of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a smash hit since its debut 100 years ago. “I wanted to put it on a pedestal because it deserves to be there,” says TFO Music Director Michael Francis. The concert starts with jazzy fanfare Herald, Holler & Hallelujah composed by Wynton Marsalis before launching into Mason Bates’ Alternative Energy, which goes techno with a conductor’s laptop and monitors for the musicians, among other surprises. Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On the Town follows three sailors on a one-day shore leave in New York. And serious Russian master Stravinsky shows his quirky American side with his jazzy, bluesy Ebony clarinet concerto, featuring Natalie Hoe. These program notes include music excerpts.

Masterworks 7 of the 23/24 Season
Performances Feb. 17 & 18, 2024