Piano Forum

Piano Board => Student's Corner => Topic started by: kedix1414 on May 22, 2013, 05:02:21 PM

Title: Rhapsody in Blue
Post by: kedix1414 on May 22, 2013, 05:02:21 PM
Assuming that you are advanced enough to play it, about how long would it take to learn Rhapsody in Blue? I know that the answer varies on the person, but could you give me a rough estimate? Thanks :)
Title: Re: Rhapsody in Blue
Post by: j_menz on May 22, 2013, 11:23:12 PM
Somewhere between a week and a year. If it's going to take more than a year, you're probably not ready. If you can't make your own rough estimate, you're definitely not.
Title: Re: Rhapsody in Blue
Post by: iansinclair on May 22, 2013, 11:42:52 PM
and if you can't feel jazz in general, don't...

Might listen to the recording at https://archive.org/details/rhapblue11924 to get a feel for what it is supposed to sound like.  There is also a recording of Oscar Levant and the Philadelphia Orchestra of it, of which I have copy (78 rpm only) which is marvelous.
Title: Re: Rhapsody in Blue
Post by: j_menz on May 22, 2013, 11:57:04 PM
There is also a recording of Oscar Levant and the Philadelphia Orchestra of it, of which I have copy (78 rpm only) which is marvelous.

It is available on CD (or as mp3s), if winding up the old gramophone starts to get too much, or the bakelite gets too scratchy.

https://www.amazon.com/Levant-Plays-Gershwin-George/dp/B0000026H0 (https://www.amazon.com/Levant-Plays-Gershwin-George/dp/B0000026H0)
Title: Re: Rhapsody in Blue
Post by: birba on May 23, 2013, 03:24:11 AM
You are talking about the original version, i imagine.  There's a piano solo arrangement which is much more difficult then the original.
Title: Re: Rhapsody in Blue
Post by: kedix1414 on May 23, 2013, 04:37:03 PM
Yes, I am talking about the original version, not the solo piano arrangement. My piano teacher actually suggested that I learn this piece and says that it should not be too difficult for me.