In January of 1924, a twenty-six-year-old pianist, George Gershwin, finds himself slated to compose, in only five weeks, a concerto that defines "American music," and the result is his masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue.

George Gershwin only has a few weeks to compose a concerto. His piece is supposed to exemplify American music and premiere at a concert entitled "An Experiment in Modern Music." Homesick for New York while rehearsing for a musical in Boston, he soon realizes that American music is much like its people, a great melting pot of sounds, rhythms, and harmonies. JoAnn Kitchel's illustrations capture the 1920s in all their art deco majesty.

A fictional account of how George Gershwin was inspired to write and compose "Rhapsody in Blue," in the early 1920s. Describes how Gershwin's close friends and his brother, Ira Gershwin, played a major role in the creation of the piece.

In 1924, George Gershwin is slated to compose, in five weeks, a concerto that defines "American music."

In January of 1924, a twenty-six-year-old pianist, George Gershwin, finds himself slated to compose, in only five weeks, a concerto that defines "American music, " and the result is his masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue.In 1924, American pianist George Gershwin composes his masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue, in less than five weeks. Includes historical note. Suggested level: primary.